animated cartoon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

It can be considered slightly redundant, as 'cartoon' in many contexts (especially AmE) implies animation. However, it is a standard, accepted term used for clarity, particularly in British English where 'cartoon' can also mean a static drawing.

'Animation' is the broader technique or process of creating moving images. An 'animated cartoon' is a specific product—a (usually short) film—created using that technique, typically with a humorous or narrative focus. All animated cartoons are animation, but not all animation is an animated cartoon (e.g., a 3D architectural fly-through is animation but not a cartoon).

Yes, though it's less common and somewhat industry-specific. To 'cartoon' can mean to draw in a cartoon style or to create an animated cartoon (e.g., 'They cartooned the entire series in under a year').

No. While anime is a form of animation from Japan, the term 'animated cartoon' in English typically carries connotations of Western (especially American) styles and storytelling traditions. Anime is a distinct subcategory with its own stylistic and cultural conventions.

A short, filmed series of hand-drawn or computer-generated moving images, typically telling a humorous or simple story and often created for entertainment, especially for children.

Animated cartoon is usually neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts, though slightly more common in everyday and media-related discourse than in highly technical academic writing. in register.

Animated cartoon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ɪ.meɪ.tɪd kɑːˈtuːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæn.ə.meɪ.t̬ɪd kɑːrˈtuːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.