Toon
/tuːn/noun
An animated character or cartoon, especially one with exaggerated or nonrealistic features.
Did you know?“Toon” became widely popular through the phrase “Looney Tunes,” especially as a nickname for animated characters in late-20th-century fan and entertainment language.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
khártēs
“A sheet or leaf of papyrus used for writing.”
Classical Latin
Latin
charta
“Paper, a written document, or a sheet of papyrus.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
cartōnem
“A large sheet of paper or model drawing; the source of Italian cartone.”
16th Century
Italian
cartone
“A large drawing or preparatory design, especially one made for transfer to a finished artwork.”
19th Century
English
cartoon
“A preparatory drawing, later also a humorous or satirical illustration.”
20th Century
English
toon
“A clipped informal form of cartoon, increasingly used for animated characters.”