con·tour
ˈkän-ˌtu̇r 
1
: an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure : 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
—often used in plural
the contours of a melody
… the contours of political and social theories.—
James G. Paradis
James G. Paradis3
: a usually meaningful change in intonation in speech
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
contoured; contouring; contours
1
a
: to shape the contour of
b
: to shape so as to fit contours
2
: to construct (something, such as a road) in conformity to a contour
Synonyms
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 WebJeffrey Steele, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
One conclusion, however, is that such contours could change yet again.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024
Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Sep. 2024
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.
—Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2024
Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024
Another tester liked that this mattress was able to contour her body, alleviating lower back pain without locking her into one position.
—Claudia Fisher, SELF, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for contour 
Noun
To generate a design aesthetic, the team focused on textures, hues and contours of the Wasatch Mountain Range, and also contemplated the ways seasonal changes regularly alter the local environment.
—Jeffrey Steele, Forbes, 27 Sep. 2024
One conclusion, however, is that such contours could change yet again.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024
Adjective
This stick bronzer comes in five neutral-leaning shades that are ever-so-slightly warm, creating the perfect middle ground between a contour product and a bronzer.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 26 Sep. 2024
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.
—Hillary Maglin, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2024
Verb
It’s engineered for a smooth, irritation-free experience, contouring seamlessly to your body.
—Hyphensocial Contributors, Rolling Stone, 5 Oct. 2024
Another tester liked that this mattress was able to contour her body, alleviating lower back pain without locking her into one position.
—Claudia Fisher, SELF, 3 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for 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 about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near contour
Cite this Entry
“Contour.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/contour. Accessed 18 Oct. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
contour
1 of 3 noun
con·tour
ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r
1
: the outline of a figure, body, or surface
2
: a line or drawing showing an outline
contour
2 of 3 adjective1
: 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 3 verb1
: to shape the contour of
2
: to shape to fit contours
Medical Definition
contour
1 of 2 noun
con·tour
ˈkän-ˌtu̇(ə)r
: an outline especially of a curving or irregular figure
also
: the line representing this outline
contour
2 of 2 transitive verb
: to shape the contour of
contour a gingiva in gingivoplasty
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