profile

Definition

The outermost shape, view, or edge of an object.

Etymology

From French profil, from Italian profilo (“a border”), later also proffilo (“a side-face, profile”), from Latin pro (“before”) + filo (“a line, stroke, thread”), from filum (“a thread”); see file. Doublet of purfle.

Example Sentences

• "His fingers traced the profile of the handle."
• "The brooch showed the profile of a Victorian woman."
• "Driver's licenses have a photograph of the person on them, which is in full face if the person is above legal drinking age, or in profile if not."