silhouette
In the dim light, the tree's silhouette stood out against the sunset.
The outline of the tree was clearly visible as a dark shape.
A dark shape or outline of an object against a lighter background, especially when the object itself is not clearly visible.
The artist drew the silhouette of a bird in flight.
The drawing showed only the bird's dark outline.
Her silhouette appeared in the doorway, blocking the light.
The outline of her body was visible as a dark shape.
Often used in art, photography, and design to describe a simplified outline.
A representation of something showing only its outline or external shape.
The silhouette of the building was captured in a single photograph.
The photo showed only the building's outline.
In art and design, a silhouette is often created by casting a shadow or using solid black shapes.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Describing shapes
Use 'silhouette' when you want to emphasize the outline of an object without details. For example, 'The silhouette of the mountain was visible at dawn.'
Gold Rule
Silhouette vs. shadow
A silhouette is a solid dark shape, while a shadow is a projection of an object's outline caused by light. All silhouettes are shadows, but not all shadows are silhouettes.
Word Origin
From the name of Étienne de Silhouette (1709–1767), a French finance minister known for his frugality. The term originally referred to a simple, inexpensive portrait, and later came to mean any dark outline.
Usage Notes
Silhouette is often used to describe shapes that are recognizable only by their outline, such as in photography, art, or when light creates a strong contrast.