Cartoon Meaning and Definition
Cartoon
Pronunciation
/kɑrˈtʰuːn/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A visual representation, typically two-dimensional, of a fantasy or fictional world, created for entertainment or artistic purposes, often featuring animated characters.
Examples
- The cartoon movie won several awards for its animation.
- The comic strip was a popular cartoon for decades.
Synonyms
- Animation
- Drawing
Antonyms
- Live-action
- Reality
Etymology
The word “Cartoon” comes from the Italian phrase “cartone”, meaning “paper” or “pasteboard”, and was first used in the 16th century to describe a type of design or painting on paper.
Usage Notes
When discussing specific cartoons or animation series, the term “cartoon” is often used informally and without quotation marks. However, in formal contexts or when referring to the artistic medium in general, it’s recommended to use quotation marks and specify whether it refers to a specific show or genre.
Cultural References
Cartoons have appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and books, including the popular series “Looney Tunes”, “Tom and Jerry”, and “South Park”, as well as the beloved cartoons “Bugs Bunny” and “Mickey Mouse”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Cartoon characters” refers to exaggerated or unrealistic depictions of people or animals.
- “Toon” is a colloquialism for cartoon or animation.
Related Words or Phrases
- Illustration
- Animation
- Graphic Novel
Collocations
- Cartoon show
- Cartoon movie
- Cartoon character
Frequency of Use
The term “Cartoon” is commonly used in informal conversations, particularly among younger generations, and is often referenced in popular culture.
Common Misspellings
“Cartun” and “Carteen” are common misspellings of the word “Cartoon”.