Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Cartoon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐ŸŽจ
Add to dictionary

cartoon

[kษ‘rหˆtuหn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

animation

A simple drawing showing the features of its subjects in a humorously exaggerated way, especially a satirical one in a newspaper or magazine.

Synonyms

caricature, comic strip, satire.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cartoon

Used to describe illustrated art that is often humorous and found in newspapers, magazines, or as television shows directed at children.

  • The kids love watching the cartoon every Saturday morning
  • The newspaper featured a funny cartoon of the mayor
caricature

Used to describe a drawing or portrayal of a person where certain features are exaggerated to create a humorous or ridiculous effect. Often found in political or social commentary.

  • The artist drew a caricature of the famous politician, making his nose and ears comically large
  • At the fair, we got a caricature of ourselves that made us laugh
comic strip

Used to describe a sequence of drawings arranged in interrelated panels that display a brief narrative, typically humorous or adventurous in nature. Found in newspapers, magazines, or online.

  • I read the comic strip in the Sunday newspaper every week
  • The comic strip follows the adventures of a mischievous boy and his dog
satire

Used to describe a genre of literature, art, or performance that uses humor, irony, or exaggeration to criticize or mock people, politics, or society, often with the intent to bring about change.

  • The show is a satire that mocks contemporary political figures and their policies
  • The novel uses satire to expose the absurdity of social conventions

Examples of usage

  • It was a political cartoon mocking the president's latest decision.
  • She drew a cartoon of her boss with oversized glasses and a big nose.
  • The cartoonist's work often appeared in the Sunday newspaper.
Context #2 | Noun

animated film or television show

A film or television show using animation techniques to tell a story, typically aimed at children but enjoyed by all ages.

Synonyms

animated series, animation, cartoon show.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
cartoon

This is a general term used to describe a type of illustration, typically humorous in nature. It can refer to both individual drawings in newspapers or magazines and animated films or TV shows.

  • I love reading the cartoon section in the newspaper.
  • Tom and Jerry is a classic cartoon that everyone enjoys.
animation

This is a broad term that refers to the process or art of creating moving images through various techniques, such as drawing, CGI, or stop-motion. It can also refer to the final product.

  • He is studying animation in college.
  • The animation in 'Frozen' is really stunning.
animated series

This term is more specific and refers to a series of animated episodes, often with an ongoing storyline or recurring characters. Suitable for discussing TV shows aimed at various age groups from children to adults.

  • 'The Simpsons' is an animated series that has been on air for over 30 years.
  • 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' is an animated series loved by both kids and adults.
cartoon show

This term is used to describe a TV show that features cartoon characters and animations, typically aimed at children. It has a more informal tone but is essentially interchangeable with 'animated series'.

  • SpongeBob SquarePants is a hilarious cartoon show.
  • My little brother watches a cartoon show every morning.

Examples of usage

  • My favorite cartoon growing up was 'Tom and Jerry'.
  • She works as a voice actor for a popular cartoon series on TV.
  • The kids were watching cartoons on Saturday morning.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The first animated cartoon, 'Gertie the Dinosaur', created by Winsor McCay in 1914, helped pave the way for future animations.
  • Characters like Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny have become iconic symbols of cartoons, influencing generations of viewers.
  • The 'Saturday morning cartoon' tradition began in the 1960s, becoming a staple for childrenโ€™s television in the United States.

Art and Techniques

  • Typically, cartoons use exaggerated features and bright colors to convey humor and vibrancy.
  • Storyboarding is an essential step in creating cartoons, mapping out sequences like a comic strip before animation begins.
  • Digital art tools have revolutionized cartoon creation, allowing for smoother animations and a wide variety of styles.

Psychology

  • Research shows that cartoons can enhance memory retention, especially in educational contexts where humor is involved.
  • The simplicity of cartoon characters makes them relatable and can help express complex emotions in a digestible way.
  • Humor in cartoons can serve as a coping mechanism, providing relief from stress and a way to engage with sensitive topics.

History of Animation

  • The first full-length animated feature film, 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs', was released by Disney in 1937, creating a new genre in film.
  • Animation techniques have evolved from hand-drawn to computer-generated imagery, allowing for more intricate designs and stories.
  • The rise of streaming services in the 2000s drastically changed how cartoons are produced and consumed, with more diverse storytelling.

Origin of 'cartoon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cartoon' comes from the Italian 'cartone', which means 'big paper' or 'heavy paper' used for drawing.
  • Originally, 'cartoons' referred to detailed drawings prepared for painting or decoration of frescoes.
  • In the 19th century, 'cartoon' began to refer to humorous illustrations in magazines.

The word 'cartoon' originated from the Italian word 'cartone', meaning 'pasteboard' or 'cardboard'. In the 1670s, it was used to describe a preparatory drawing for a piece of art, before evolving to its current meaning in the 1840s. Cartoons have been a popular form of entertainment and satire for centuries, evolving from simple drawings to animated films and television shows.

See also: cart, cartel, cartology, carton, cartwheel.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,126, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.