A contour is the outline or shape of something, the line that defines its edges and curves. When an artist draws the contour of a face, they trace the shape of the chin, nose, and forehead without worrying about shading or details inside. When a hiker follows the contours of a hillside, they move along paths that curve around the hill rather than climbing straight up.

In geography, contour lines on maps connect points of equal elevation, showing the shape of the land. Where contour lines bunch close together, the terrain is steep. Where they spread apart, the ground slopes gently. A topographic map's contours reveal whether you're looking at a valley, a ridge, or a flat plain.

The word also appears in everyday objects: a contoured pillow fits the natural curve of your neck, while a contoured bicycle seat matches the shape of your body. Designers study contours carefully because the right curves make things more comfortable and efficient.

You might notice the graceful contours of a sports car or observe how a sculptor shapes clay to create the contours of a dolphin. The word captures that sense of following a form's natural flow, whether you're tracing it with your eyes, your pencil, or your path through the landscape.