sketch
1 of 2nouna basic version of something, often created to outline or test ideas before the final version
B1Learn more on WikipediaA sketch is a quick, rough drawing or outline created to show the basic elements and structure of a subject. Sketches are often used by artists and designers as early drafts or plans for more detailed and finished works. They help to imagine ideas, explore layouts, and create the foundation for the final piece.
- The architect presented a rough sketch of the new building before starting detailed plans.
- The designer created a sketch of the dress to give the client an initial idea of the concept.
- His novel began as a brief sketch, which he later expanded into a full manuscript.
- They drafted a sketch of the marketing campaign to gauge the team’s reactions.
- The artist’s early sketch showed the framework of what would become a detailed painting.
a brief, often single‑panel cartoon or caricature that uses image and caption to satirize people, events, or social trends
- The newspaper ran a sharp political sketch of the mayor that skewered his latest proposal.
- Each issue included a comic sketch poking fun at office life and the weekly headline.
- The cartoonist's sketch of the celebrity exaggerated the features until the joke landed.
- Students laughed at the campus paper's sketch lampooning the administration's new parking rules.
- The magazine commissioned a topical sketch to illustrate the absurdity of the advertising campaign.
a brief literary description that presents a scene, character, or event with minimal detail
- His travel journal contained a sketch of the bustling marketplace.
- The author included a vivid sketch of village life in the introduction.
- She wrote a short sketch of the mysterious stranger she met.
- The novel opened with a sketch of the protagonist’s childhood.
- The historical sketch provided context for the main story.
a concise, factual outline of events or developments that highlights main points without elaboration
- The prosecutor opened with a quick sketch of the timeline before calling witnesses.
- For the meeting he prepared a two‑page sketch of last quarter's sales and the key trends.
- The historian provided a sketch of the uprising to set the stage for a longer analysis.
- After the briefing, everyone had a clear sketch of the crisis and who was responsible for next steps.
- The article's first paragraph offered a sketch of the scandal so readers could follow the finer details later.
a short comic scene performed as part of a variety show or comedy program
A sketch is a short, informal performance or scene, often used as part of a larger show or variety program. It typically features a brief comedic or dramatic scenario with a small cast and is designed to entertain or make a point quickly. Sketches can be standalone pieces or part of a series, and they often rely on humor, satire, or clever dialogue to engage the audience. The goal of a sketch is to deliver a concise, impactful performance that captures the audience's attention within a limited time frame.
- The late‑night show opened with a sketch about a disastrously honest customer service line.
- Their festival set included a sketch in which two detectives solved crimes by arguing about grammar.
- After rehearsing all week, the troupe perfected the quick sketch that closed the cabaret.
- The student comedy group staged a sketch lampooning campus bureaucracy that had everyone laughing.
- In the radio sketch, sound effects and timing carried the punchline without any visual gags.