Silhouette
noun / verb /ˌsɪl.uˈɛt/ — A dark shape against a lighter background; an outline.
Definition
The dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background. In art and fashion, a silhouette defines form through the elimination of detail — leaving only the essential shape. It is the opposite of chiaroscuro.
Beyond the definition
The silhouette reveals more than it hides. Strip away detail and what remains is pure form — the essential shape of a thing. Great silhouettes are unforgettable because they capture identity in outline alone.
Origin & history
French: from Étienne de Silhouette (1709–1767), a French finance minister known for his cheap paper cut-out portraits. His name became synonymous with cheaply-made outlines.
Example sentences
Illustrative sentences for learning, not verified community posts or sourced quotations.
She appeared in the doorway as a silhouette, backlit by morning light.
The fashion designer's signature was her silhouette — unmistakable from across a room.
The city at sunset was nothing but silhouettes — buildings, bridges, cranes against burning orange.
How to use it
Follow this entry’s examples for grammatical form and sentence placement.
Choose “Silhouette” when the meaning fits your context: The dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background. In art and fashion, a silhouette defines form through the elimination of detail — leaving only the essential shape. It is the opposite of chiaroscuro.
Synonyms
outline, profile, shadow, contour
Antonyms
detail, texture, chiaroscuro
Related words
Silhouette vs outline
A silhouette implies a dark, filled-in shape against a lighter background. An outline is just the boundary line of an object, not necessarily filled.
Word in the Wild
See how this word appears in life, language and stories.
Illustrative sentences and imagined stories for learning — not verified sightings, interviews, or sourced quotations.
Fictional scene
Defining Form Through Shape
A person walks through a rain-slicked city square, noticing reflections and textures.
The dark, essential shapes of the streetlights and the person against the wet pavement create a silhouette. It defines the form through the elimination of detail, leaving only the essential, recognizable outline.
Image credit: Wordspun · AI-generated conceptual illustration
Questions about this word
What does "Silhouette" mean?
Silhouette is noun / verb meaning: A dark shape against a lighter background; an outline.. The dark shape and outline of someone or something visible against a lighter background. In art and fashion, a silhouette defines form through the elimination of detail — leaving only the essential shape. It is the opposite of chiaroscuro.
Where does the word "Silhouette" come from?
French: from Étienne de Silhouette (1709–1767), a French finance minister known for his cheap paper cut-out portraits. His name became synonymous with cheaply-made outlines.