Vincent van Gogh | Biography, Art, & Facts | Britannica
Vincent van Gogh (born March 30, 1853, Zundert, Netherlands—died July 29, 1890, Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris, France) was a Dutch painter, ...
contoured
Vincent van Gogh (born March 30, 1853, Zundert, Netherlands—died July 29, 1890, Auvers-sur-Oise, near Paris, France) was a Dutch painter, generally considered the greatest after Rembrandt van Rijn, and one of the greatest of the Post-Impressionists. The striking color, emphatic brushwork, and <anchor>contoured</anchor> forms of his work powerfully influenced the current of Expressionism in modern art. Van Gogh’s art became astoundingly popular after his death, especially in the late 20th century, when his work sold for record-breaking sums at auctions around the world and was featured in blockbuster touring exhibitions. In part because of his extensive published letters, van Gogh has also been mythologized in the popular imagination as the quintessential tortured artist.
Contoured Definition & Meaning - Merriam-WebsterMenu Toggle ;)
Contoured Definition & Meaning - Merriam-WebsterMenu Toggle[Merriam-Webster Logo](/ "Merriam Webster - established 1828") [Close Search](javascript:void(0);)

- [Games & Quizzes](/games)
- [Games & Quizzes](/games)
- [Word of the Day](/word-of-the-day)
- [Grammar](/grammar)
- [Wordplay](/wordplay)
- [Word Finder](/wordfinder)
- [Thesaurus](/thesaurus)
- [Join MWU](https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/subscriber/register/p1?refc=HDR_GLOBAL_JOINMWU)
  - Shop
  - [Books![link icon](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/link-icon.svg)](https://shop.merriam-webster.com/?utm_source=mwsite&utm_medium=nav&utm_content=header)
  - [Merch![link icon](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/link-icon.svg)](https://merriamwebster.threadless.com/?utm_source=mwsite&utm_medium=nav&utm_content=header)
  - Settings
  - [My Words](/saved-words)
  - [Recents](/recents)
  - [Account](/settings)
  - [Log Out](/logout)
- [More](javascript:void(0);)  - [Thesaurus](/thesaurus)
  - [Join MWU![link icon](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/link-icon.svg)](https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/subscriber/register/p1?refc=HDR_GLOBAL_JOINMWU)
  - Shop
  - [Books![link icon](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/link-icon.svg)](https://shop.merriam-webster.com/?utm_source=mwsite&utm_medium=nav&utm_content=header)
  - [Merch![link icon](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/link-icon.svg)](https://merriamwebster.threadless.com/?utm_source=mwsite&utm_medium=nav&utm_content=header)
    - [Log In](/login)
    - Username
    - [My Words](/saved-words)
    - [Recents](/recents)
    - [Account](/settings)
    - [Log Out](/logout)

Est. 1828


DictionaryDefinition


- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)noun![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#dictionary-entry-1)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)adjective![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#dictionary-entry-2)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)verb![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#dictionary-entry-3)
- noun3![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/show-more-arrow.svg)  - [noun](#dictionary-entry-1)
  - [adjective](#dictionary-entry-2)
  - [verb](#dictionary-entry-3)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Synonyms![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#synonyms)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Synonym Chooser![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#synonym-discussion)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Example Sentences![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#examples)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Word History![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#word-history)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Phrases Containing![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#related-phrases)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Entries Near![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#nearby-entries)

- - [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Cite this EntryCitation![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#citations)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Share![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#social-links)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Kids DefinitionKids![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#kidsdictionary)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)Medical DefinitionMedical![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#medicalDictionary)
- [![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/sidebar-nav-item-icon.svg)More from M-W![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/ribben.svg)](#more-from-mw)

![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/dots.svg)Show more![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/show-more-arrow.svg)
- Show more![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/show-more-arrow.svg)  - [Citation](#citations)
  - [Share](#social-links)
  - [Kids](#kidsdictionary)
  - [Medical](#medicalDictionary)
  - [More from M-W](#more-from-mw)

- Save Word![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/save-word-flag-icon.svg)  - To save this word, you'll need to log in.
      [Log In](/login)

# contour

1 of 3

## [noun](/dictionary/noun)

con·​tour[ˈkän-ˌtu̇r ![How to pronounce contour (audio)](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/audio-pron-redesign.svg)](/dictionary/contour?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=c&file=contou01 "How to pronounce contour (audio)")

[Synonyms of _contour_![next](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/arrows/interlink-right.svg)](/thesaurus/contour)

1

**:** an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure **:** [shape](/dictionary/shape)
the sleek contours of the car

The map shows the contour of the coastline.

also**:** the line representing this outline

2

**:** the general form or structure of something **:** [characteristic](/dictionary/characteristic)

—often used in plural
the contours of a melody

… the contours of political and social theories.—![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/vi-mdash.svg)James G. Paradis

3

**:** a usually meaningful change in intonation in speech

contour

2 of 3

## [adjective](/dictionary/adjective)

1

**:** following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them
contour flooding

contour farming

2

**:** made to fit the contour of something
a contour couch

contour sheets

contour

3 of 3

## [verb](/dictionary/verb)

contoured; contouring; contours

[transitive verb](/dictionary/transitive)

1

a

**:** to shape the contour of

b

**:** to shape so as to fit [contours](/dictionary/contours)

2

**:** to construct (something, such as a road) in conformity to a contour

## Synonyms

Noun

- [figure](/dictionary/figure)
- [outline](/dictionary/outline)
- [silhouette](/dictionary/silhouette)

[See all Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-orange.svg)](/thesaurus/contour)

Choose the Right Synonym for _contour_

[outline](/dictionary/outline), [contour](/dictionary/contour), [profile](/dictionary/profile), [silhouette](/dictionary/silhouette) mean the line that bounds and gives form to something.

[outline](/dictionary/outline) applies to a line marking the outer limits or edges of a body or mass.


traced the _outline_ of his hand

[contour](/dictionary/contour) stresses the quality of an outline or a bounding surface as being smooth, jagged, curving, or sharply angled.


a car with flowing _contours_

[profile](/dictionary/profile) suggests a varied and sharply defined outline against a lighter background.


a portrait of her face in _profile_

[silhouette](/dictionary/silhouette) suggests a shape especially of a head or figure with all detail blacked out in shadow leaving only the outline clearly defined.


photograph in _silhouette_ against a bright sky

## Examples of _contour_ in a Sentence

Noun

He loved the sleek _contours_ of the car.

The map showed the _contour_ of the coastline.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Sunset with Black Forms features a maroon orb that rises above dark pillars, the _contours_ of which recall a Martian society.—![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/vi-mdash.svg)Alex Greenberger, _ARTnews.com_, 16 Aug. 2024 The _contours_ of those efforts are still unfolding as U.S. intelligence works to uncover and disrupt the myriad ways in which Moscow and Tehran are targeting the U.S. electorate.—![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/vi-mdash.svg)Josh Meyer, _USA TODAY_, 16 Aug. 2024

Adjective

It’s also equipped with multiple internal and external pockets, compression straps, gliding spinner wheels, and even a telescoping handle featuring _contour_ grip and rubberized touch points for extra comfort.—![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/vi-mdash.svg)Hillary Maglin, _Travel + Leisure_, 17 July 2024 This supersoft and stretchy straight-leg style from the Good Curve collection is designed to hug and _contour_ curves, while the signature high-rise waistband is also gap-proof for a smooth fit.—![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/vi-mdash.svg)Paula Lee, _Glamour_, 19 Dec. 2023

Verb

Its memory foam clusters can help support side sleepers by _contouring_ to the shape of your head and neck, taking pressure off your shoulders.—![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/vi-mdash.svg)Ashley Zlatopolsky, _Architectural Digest_, 15 Aug. 2024 There is a series of looks in olive green and gold, and dresses with angles and cutouts that _contour_ and enhance the body.—![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/vi-mdash.svg)Lisa Lockwood, _WWD_, 15 Aug. 2024 [See all Example Sentences for _contour_![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar-hover.svg)](/sentences/contour)

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'contour.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. [Send us feedback](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1GAQr3Kn1cURCVHUA82hAga1Wv8DCH0IuqDLRUrOpN7M/viewform?ts=63f4f653&entry.1515682415=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary%2Fcontour) about these examples.


## Word History

Etymology

Noun

French, from Italian _contorno_, from _contornare_ to round off, from Medieval Latin, to turn around, from Latin _com-_ \+ _tornare_ to turn on a lathe — more at [turn entry 1](/dictionary/turn#h1)

First Known Use

Noun

1662, in the meaning defined at [sense 1](#h1)

Adjective

1844, in the meaning defined at [sense 1](#h2)

Verb

1871, in the meaning defined at [sense 1a](#h3)

Time Traveler

The first known use of _contour_ was
in 1662

[See more words from the same year](/time-traveler/1662?src=defrecirc-timetraveler-etycard)

## Phrases Containing _contour_

- [contour feather](/dictionary/contour%20feather)
- [contour line](/dictionary/contour%20line)
- [contour map](/dictionary/contour%20map)

## Dictionary Entries Near _contour_

[contortionist](/dictionary/contortionist)

contour

[contour chair](/dictionary/contour%20chair)

[See More Nearby Entries ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-blue.svg)](/browse/dictionary/c/76)

## Cite this Entry

Style

MLAChicagoAPAMerriam-Webster

“Contour.” _Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary_, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour. Accessed 13 Sep. 2024.

![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/redesign/copy-icon.svg)Copy Citation

## Share

Post the Definition of contour to Facebook![Facebook](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/facebook.svg)Facebook

Share the Definition of contour on Twitter![Twitter](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/twitter.svg)Twitter

## Kids Definition

contour

1 of 3noun

con·​tour[ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r ![How to pronounce contour (audio)](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/audio-pron-redesign.svg)](/dictionary/contour?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=c&file=contou01 "How to pronounce contour (audio)")

1

**:** the outline of a figure, body, or surface

2

**:** a line or drawing showing an outline

contour

2 of 3adjective

1

**:** following contour lines or forming furrows or ridges along them
_contour_ farming

_contour_ flooding

2

**:** made to fit the contour of something
_contour_ bedsheets

contour

3 of 3verb

1

**:** to shape the contour of

2

**:** to shape to fit contours

## Medical Definition

contour

1 of 2noun

con·​tour[ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r ![How to pronounce contour (audio)](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/audio-pron-redesign.svg)](/dictionary/contour?pronunciation&lang=en_us&dir=c&file=contou01 "How to pronounce contour (audio)")

**:** an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure

also**:** the line representing this outline

contour

2 of 2transitive verb

**:** to shape the contour of
contour a gingiva in gingivoplasty

## More from Merriam-Webster on _contour_

Nglish: [Translation of _contour_ for Spanish Speakers](http://www.nglish.com/spanish/contour)

Britannica English: [Translation of _contour_ for Arabic Speakers](http://arabic.britannicaenglish.com/contour)

Last Updated:23 Aug 2024 \- Updated example sentences

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

[Merriam-Webster unabridged](https://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/subscriber/register/p1?refc=INLINE_DEF_MWU)

[![Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.](https://merriam-webster.com/assets/mw/static/images/games/external/quordle/485x364@1x.jpg)\
\
**Can you solve 4 words at once?**\
\
PlayPlay\
\
**Can you solve 4 words at once?**\
PlayPlay](https://www.merriam-webster.com/games/quordle/)

[Merriam Webster](/ "Merriam Webster")

#### [Word of the Day](/word-of-the-day)

#### [callow](/word-of-the-day)

[![Listen to the pronunciation of callow](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-09-12--20-35-33-m58bx/images/svg/audio.svg)](javascript:void(0) "Listen to the pronunciation of callow")

[See Definitions and Examples](/word-of-the-day) »


Get Word of the Day daily email!

## Popular in Grammar & Usage

[See All](/grammar)

[**Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide**](/grammar/what-happens-to-names-when-we-make-them-plural-or-possessive)

[**31 Useful Rhetorical Devices**](/grammar/rhetorical-devices-list-examples)

[**More Commonly Misspelled Words**](/grammar/more-commonly-misspelled-words)

[**Absent Letters That Are Heard Anyway**](/grammar/letters-that-are-not-seen-but-are-heard-in-words)

[**How to Use Accents and Diacritical Marks**](/grammar/how-to-use-and-understand-diacritics-diacritical-marks)

[See All](/grammar)

## Popular in Wordplay

[See All](/wordplay)

[**8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments**](/wordplay/obscure-musical-instrument-words)

[**It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat**](/wordplay/summer-words-for-hot-weather)

[**7 Shakespearean Insults to Make Life More Interesting**](/wordplay/shakespeare-insults)

[**10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)**](/wordplay/taylor-swift-words)

[**9 Superb Owl Words**](/wordplay/9-superb-owl-words)

[See All](/wordplay)

## Games & Quizzes

[See All](/games)

[![Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries.  Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)\
QuordleCan you solve 4 words at once?\
\
Play](https://www.merriam-webster.com/games/quordle/)

[![Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)\
Blossom Word GamePick the best words!\
\
Play](/games/blossom-word-game)

[![Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)\
Missing LetterA daily crossword with a twist\
\
Play](/games/missing-letter)

[![cow coming home](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==)\
\
Farm Idioms QuizIf you've got a pig in a poke - what exactly is a...\
\
Take the quiz](/games/farm-words)

[Merriam Webster](/)

Learn a new word every day. Delivered to your inbox!

- [Help](/help)
- [About Us](/about-us)
- [Advertising Info](/advertising)
- [Contact Us](/contact-us)
- [Diversity](https://corporate.britannica.com/diversity)
- [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy)
- [Terms of Use](/terms-of-use)

- [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/merriamwebster)
- [Twitter](https://twitter.com/merriamwebster)
- [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/user/MerriamWebsterOnline)
- [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/merriamwebster/)

© 2024 Merriam-Webster, Incorporated