cartoon

car-toon · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A simple drawing showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way.

  2. 2.

    To make a drawing in a simplified or exaggerated style.

  3. 3.

    An animated film or television program, especially for children.

  4. 4.

    A full-size drawing made as a preliminary design for a painting, tapestry, or other artwork.

Forms

plural: cartoons

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    cartoon character — a figure in an animated production or comic strip
  • •
    cartoon strip — a sequence of drawings telling a story
  • •
    editorial cartoon — a satirical illustration commenting on current events

Related words

See also: animation, caricature, comic, drawing
Synonyms: animated film, animation, caricature, comic strip

Etymology

From Italian cartone ("pasteboard, heavy paper"), augmentative of carta ("paper"), from Latin charta. Originally referred to preparatory drawings on stiff paper, later applied to humorous drawings and animated films.