contour

contour — noun

1. A curving edge or surface that marks the outer form of an object — for instance,

1.nounB2
Definition

A curving edge or surface that marks the outer form of an object — for instance, the line where a mountain meets the sky or the rounded sides of a vase.

Example

Hyun traced the soft contour of the vase with her fingers.

The mountain's contour changed gradually as the sun moved across the sky.

possessive + contour for natural features

Common collocations
  • follow the contour
  • natural contour
  • smooth contour
  • gentle contour
Synonyms
  • outline

    more general; contour emphasizes curving or flowing shapes

  • silhouette

    refers specifically to a dark shape against a lighter background; more dramatic

  • profile

    suggests a side view, especially of a face or landscape

Common Mistakes

The contour of the building was a perfect square shape.
The outline of the building was a perfect square.
'contour' suggests curved or flowing edges, not straight geometric outlines.

2. On a map, a line that links points at an identical elevation above the ocean or

2.nounB2
Definition

On a map, a line that links points at an identical elevation above the ocean or at an equal depth underwater, helping you picture hills, valleys, and other landforms.

Example

The contour lines on the map were very close together near the river.

Hyun followed the five-hundred-metre contour to find the easiest hiking path.

number + unit + contour for elevation lines

Common collocations
  • contour line
  • close contours
  • wide contours
  • read contours
Synonyms
  • contour line

    full term used in cartography, same meaning but more technical

Usage Note

Often used in the plural form 'contours' to refer to the whole set of lines on a map.

3. The broad arrangement or overall pattern of something complicated, such as a pol

3.nounC1
Definition

The broad arrangement or overall pattern of something complicated, such as a political situation, a piece of writing, or a plan, when viewed as a whole.

Example

The essay traced the contour of political changes in the region.

contour of + abstract noun for metaphorical use

The general contour of the agreement became clear after weeks of talks.

Common collocations
  • general contour
  • broad contour
  • trace the contour
Synonyms
  • framework

    more about structure than shape; often suggests supporting elements

  • outline

    common in this abstract sense too, slightly less formal

  • shape

    more general; contour adds a sense of flowing, organic form

Usage Note

This abstract sense is common in formal or analytical writing. Distinguish from sense 1 (OUTER SHAPE), which is always about a visible physical object.

contour — verb

contour — adjective

Word family

  • contoured
    adjectiveB2
  • contouring
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These four words all describe the outer form of something, but they differ in focus. 'Contour' emphasizes the curving, flowing lines of a surface — you use it for a mountain range, a vase, or a car body. 'Outline' is the most general term, simply meaning the line that marks the outer edge of anything, whether curved or angular. 'Silhouette' is a dark shape seen against a lighter background, with no interior detail — it carries a more visual, dramatic feel. 'Profile' suggests a view from the side, often of a face or landscape. 'Shape' is the broadest word and covers both outer form and internal structure. For example, you would say 'the contour of the hills' to stress their smooth curves, but 'the outline of the building' for a sharp rectangular form, and 'her profile against the window' for a side view.

outline ↗silhouette ↗profile ↗shape ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • follow the contour
  • contour to the shape
  • contour lines on a map

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinItalianFrenchEnglish

The word 'contour' entered English in the 1600s from French, where it meant 'circumference' or 'outline'. The French word came from Italian 'contorno', which was built from 'contornare' meaning 'to go around'. This Italian verb combined the Latin prefix 'com-' (together, with) and 'tornare' (to turn on a lathe, to round off). The original sense of rounding or going around a shape is still visible in the modern meaning of a curved outline.