Doodle: meaning, definitions and examples

Doodle is often used when referring to simple, spontaneous drawings made without much thought, typically while distracted or not focusing on the main activity.

• During the meeting, Jane absentmindedly filled the margins of her notebook with little doodles of flowers and hearts

Sketch typically refers to a quick, preliminary, or rough drawing that captures the basic elements or structure of the subject. It's often used as a first step in a larger artistic process.

• Before painting the final portrait, the artist made several sketches to get the proportions and composition just right

Scribble is often used to describe hasty, careless, or unintelligible writing or marks, usually done quickly and without much attention to detail. This term can have a negative connotation.

• The toddler grabbed a crayon and made a scribble on the wall, leaving a messy and colorful mark

Drawing refers to a more formal or intentional creation of an image or representation, often with artistic intent. This can range from simple sketches to detailed artwork.

• Anna's drawing of the landscape was so realistic that it looked almost like a photograph

Design is used when referring to a purposeful plan or blueprint for creating something, often in a professional or technical context, like architecture, graphic design, or fashion.

• The architect showed the clients his detailed design for their new house, including sketches and digital renderings

Used when casually creating random, often abstract or playful drawings, usually without much thought or planning. Often done to pass the time or when daydreaming.

• She doodles in her notebook during the boring meetings.
• He spent the afternoon doodling cute little animals.

Used when creating a quick, rough drawing that outlines the basic form and details of a subject. Often used as a preliminary study for a more detailed work.

• She sketched the initial ideas for the painting.
• The architect sketched a rough draft of the new building.

Used to describe quick, messy, or careless drawing or writing. Has a negative connotation indicating lack of care or intention.

• The child scribbled all over the walls with crayons.
• He hastily scribbled his phone number on a piece of paper.

Used when creating a picture or image, usually with some intent or purpose. This can range from simple sketches to detailed illustrations.

• She likes to draw portraits of her friends.
• He drew a beautiful landscape of the mountains.

Used when referring to making a plan or outline for something, often with a particular purpose or function in mind. This is usually more structured and thought-out.

• She designed a new logo for her company's website.
• They are working on designing the layout for the new shopping mall.