A silhouette is the defined shape of an object, an outline that appears dark against a light background. It is the outline of something, especially a human profile filled in with a solid color; or any dark shape or figure seen against a light background.

Fundamentally, a silhouette is an illustrated outline filled in with a solid color, usually black, for the purpose of representing the shape of an object without revealing any other visual details. The same effect or appearance is achieved when the object being viewed is located in relative darkness with brighter lighting placed behind it.