sketch

sketch — noun

1. a picture drawn quickly and simply, without spending time on small details or sh

1.nounA2
Definition

a picture drawn quickly and simply, without spending time on small details or shading

Example

Jenna made a quick sketch of the old bridge before the light changed.

collocation: quick sketch of [noun]

The architect's sketch showed only the basic shape of the building.

Common collocations
  • quick sketch
  • rough sketch
  • pencil sketch
  • charcoal sketch
  • preliminary sketch
  • make a sketch
  • draw a sketch
Synonyms
  • drawing

    a broader term; a sketch is a rough, quick type of drawing, often a first version of a more detailed drawing

  • doodle

    an even more casual, absent-minded drawing, often done while thinking about something else

  • outline

    focuses on the outer edge or shape, while a sketch may include some shading and internal lines

Antonyms
  • masterpiece

    a highly finished, detailed work, the opposite of a rough sketch

Grammar Patterns

a sketch of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Often combined with rough, quick, or pencil to describe the style or medium of the sketch.

Common Mistakes

I made a full-colour oil painting sketch of my grandmother.
I made a quick pencil sketch of my grandmother.
A sketch is usually done quickly in a simple medium like pencil or charcoal, not a detailed painting.

2. a description, given in speech or writing, that tells only the main facts about

2.nounB1
Definition

a description, given in speech or writing, that tells only the main facts about a person, event, or situation

Example

The article began with a short biographical sketch of the scientist.

collocation: biographical sketch of [person]

Otis gave the group a brief sketch of his travel plans for the summer.

Common collocations
  • biographical sketch
  • brief sketch
  • short sketch
  • give a sketch
  • write a sketch
Synonyms
  • outline

    more structured, often presented as a list of main points; a sketch can be more freely written

  • summary

    condenses the full content; a sketch gives only the broadest contours

  • profile

    focuses specifically on a person's background and character; more detailed than a sketch

Grammar Patterns

a sketch of + noun phrase

Usage Note

Frequently followed by of to introduce the topic or person being described. Common in biographical, journalistic, and academic contexts.

Common Mistakes

The teacher asked us to write a sketch of the novel.
The teacher asked us to write a summary of the novel.
A sketch gives only a rough outline of facts; a summary is more structured and covers key points in order.

3. a brief, comedic piece of theatre or television, usually lasting just a few minu

3.nounB1
Definition

a brief, comedic piece of theatre or television, usually lasting just a few minutes

Example

The comedy troupe performed a hilarious sketch about a chaotic restaurant kitchen.

collocation: comedy sketch / perform a sketch

Mert's favourite TV sketch shows two friends trying to assemble a bookshelf.

Common collocations
  • comedy sketch
  • funny sketch
  • comic sketch
  • TV sketch
  • stage sketch
  • perform a sketch
  • rehearse a sketch
Synonyms
  • skit

    more informal, often shorter and simpler; skits are common at amateur events while sketches are associated with professional comedy

  • comedy bit

    a very short segment within a larger show, not necessarily a full scene with a setting and characters

Usage Note

Distinguish from sense 2: this sense refers only to a performed comedic scene, not a written or spoken description. Also called a comedy sketch or skit in informal contexts.

Common Mistakes

I watched a funny sketch about penguins on the news.
I watched a funny sketch about penguins on the comedy show.
News programmes report facts; sketches are performed as entertainment on comedy shows.

sketch — verb

Word family

  • sketcher
    nounB1
  • sketchy
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Sketch, drawing, doodle, and outline all refer to visual representations on a surface, but they differ in purpose and level of finish. A sketch is a quick, rough drawing made to capture an idea or observation, often as a preliminary step toward a more detailed work. A drawing is a broader term that can range from a quick sketch to a highly finished piece — the key difference is that a sketch is always informal and rapid, while a drawing may be polished. A doodle is an absent-minded scribble, usually done while thinking about something else; it has no serious artistic goal and often repeats patterns or shapes. An outline shows only the outer edges or silhouette of a subject, without shading, texture, or internal detail. For example, a fashion designer might sketch a dress to capture the overall silhouette, then later create a detailed drawing of the fabric and stitching. A student might doodle flowers in the margin of a notebook, while an architect's outline of a floor plan shows only the walls and doors.

sketch ↗drawing ↗doodleoutline ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • make a sketch of
  • draw a sketch of
  • sketch from life
  • sketch in charcoal

Prepositions

Etymology

GreekLatinItalianDutchEnglish

Sketch entered English in the mid-1600s from the Dutch word schets, which was borrowed from the Italian schizzo, meaning 'a splash' or 'a quick drawing.' The Italian term traces back through Latin schedium (an extemporaneous poem) to the Greek skhedios, meaning 'done hastily' or 'off-hand' — an apt origin for a word that still describes quickly-made drawings and rough outlines today.