How to pronounce outline
Say it like OWT-lyne. Outline has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OWT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce outline. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- OWT
- lyne
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Outline pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- OWTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ow" in now.
- lyneGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in time.
American vs British pronunciation of outline
American and British speakers say outline in essentially the same way: /ˈaʊtˌlaɪn/ in the US and /ˈaʊtˌlaɪn/ in the UK.
British respelling: OWT-lyne.
What does outline mean?
- the line that appears to bound an object
- a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory
- a schematic or preliminary plan
- describe roughly or briefly or give the main points or summary of“sketch the outline of the book”“outline his ideas”
- draw up an outline or sketch for something“draft a speech”
- trace the shape of
Where does outline come from?
From out + line.
Questions about saying outline
How do you pronounce outline?
Say OWT-lyne. The American pronunciation is /ˈaʊtˌlaɪn/. In British English it is /ˈaʊtˌlaɪn/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in outline?
Outline has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (OWT). Broken into parts: OWT · lyne.
Do Americans and Brits say outline the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈaʊtˌlaɪn/ and the British form is /ˈaʊtˌlaɪn/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.