contour

The outside shape or edge of something, especially when it curves.

• I could see the hill’s contour.
• The dress followed the contours of her body.
• Soft light revealed the contours of his face.

How to use it: contour of something (The contour of the coastline appeared on the screen.)

Similar words: outline, shape, profile

Common phrases: contour of something, facial contour, smooth contour

A drawn line that follows the outside edge of a shape.

• Draw a contour around the leaf.
• The artist used one continuous contour.
• She traced the contours with a fine pencil.

Similar words: outline

Common phrases: contour drawing, draw a contour, trace a contour

A line on a map joining places at the same height, or with the same measured value.

• Each contour shows a different height.
• Close contours indicate a steep slope.
• We followed the contour line across the map.

Similar words: contour line

Common phrases: contour line, contour map, contour interval

To draw an outside edge or give something a particular curved shape.

• They contour each seat by hand.
• She contoured the edge with a pencil.
• The cushion was contoured to fit his back.

How to use it: contour something to fit something (They contoured the seat to fit the rider’s body.)

Similar words: shape, outline

Common phrases: contour a seat, contour something to, contour the edges