Sketchbook

Definition

Sketchbook is a noun that refers to a book or pad of blank pages used by artists, designers, and students for drawing, doodling, planning compositions, or recording visual ideas. It can also denote a digital application serving the same purpose.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA: /ˈskɛtʃ.bʊk/
• Respelling: SKETCH-book

British English

• IPA: /ˈskɛtʃ.bʊk/
• Respelling: SKETCH-book

Etymology

Mid 19th century: from sketch (drawing) + book, denoting a bound collection of blank or lightly ruled pages intended for sketches.

Derivatives

• sketch (noun, verb)
• sketching (noun)
• sketchpad (noun)

Synonyms

• sketchpad
• drawing pad
• art journal
• notebook

Antonyms

• none

Usage

The noun "sketchbook" is used in artistic, design, and educational contexts to refer to a bound collection of blank pages for drawing and visual note-taking. For example, "She carried her sketchbook everywhere to record urban scenes," or "The instructor asked each student to bring a sketchbook for in-class exercises."

Related Terms

• Sketch: A quick, rough drawing capturing the essence of a subject.
• Sketchpad: A pad of drawing paper often without binding.
• Notebook: A book of blank or lined pages for writing or drawing.
• Portfolio: A collection of an artist’s or designer’s work.
• Digital sketchbook: A software application for creating and storing sketches electronically.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A bound book of blank pages for drawing – used by artists to practice techniques, plan compositions, and record ideas.
  • Example: "He filled his sketchbook with character designs for his comic."
• A digital application or file serving as a virtual sketchbook – software that mimics the experience of drawing on paper.
  • Example: "The designer saved all her concept sketches in a single sketchbook app."