sketch

To make a quick, simple drawing with only the main shapes and lines.

• I like to sketch trees.
• She sketched the view from her window.
• Could you sketch a simple map for me?

Similar words: draw

Common phrases: sketch a face, sketch in pencil, sketch something quickly

To explain the main points of something without giving many details.

• Let me sketch the main idea.
• He sketched out his plans for next year.
• The introduction sketches the history of the town.

How to use it: sketch something out (She sketched the plan out on a whiteboard.)

Similar words: outline, summarize

Common phrases: sketch out something, sketch a plan

A quick, simple drawing that shows the main shapes without many details.

• She made a sketch of the cat.
• His notebook was full of sketches.
• Can you turn this rough sketch into a painting?

How to use it: sketch of something (She showed me a sketch of her garden.)

Similar words: drawing

Common phrases: pencil sketch, rough sketch, sketch of something, freehand sketch

A short acted scene, usually intended to make people laugh.

• The sketch made everyone laugh.
• They performed three comedy sketches at the show.
• Did you see that sketch about the confused waiter?

Similar words: skit

Common phrases: comedy sketch, perform a sketch, funny sketch

A short description giving the main facts about a person, event, or subject.

• He gave a brief sketch of his career.
• The article contains a biographical sketch of the artist.
• These sketches describe life in the village.

How to use it: sketch of someone/something (The book includes a sketch of the founder’s life.)

Similar words: outline, summary, account

Common phrases: biographical sketch, brief sketch, sketch of something

The act of watching carefully for danger or someone approaching.

• Keep sketch while I check the door.
• He kept sketch for the others.
• Someone needs to keep sketch outside.

Similar words: watch, lookout

Common phrases: keep sketch, keep sketch outside