Phrase guide

rough out

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To create the rough shape of (something, such as a machined part or a sculpture); to do the first-fix setup of (something, such as plumbing or wiring).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The first step in creating the statue was roughing it out from a large block of stone.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To produce (a plan, diagram etc.) in rough.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: sketch, sketch out

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

prepare in preliminary or sketchy form

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: rough in, rough

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: prepare

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.