pro·file / ˈprōˌfīl/ • n. 1. an outline of something, esp. a person's face, as seen from one side: the man turned and she caught his profile. ∎  a drawing or other representation of such an outline. ∎  a vertical cross section of a structure: skillfully made vessels with an S-shaped profile. ∎  Geog. an outline of part of the earth's surface, e.g., the course of a river, as seen in a vertical section. ∎  Theater a flat piece of scenery or stage property that has been cut so as to form an outline or silhouette of an object. ∎  a graphical or other representation of information relating to particular characteristics of something, recorded in quantified form: the blood profiles of cancer patients. ∎  a short article giving a description of a person or organization, esp. a public figure: a profile of a Texas tycoon.2. [in sing.] the extent to which a person or organization attracts public notice or comment: raising the profile of women in industry.• v. [tr.] 1. describe (a person or organization, esp. a public figure) in a short article: he was to profile each candidate.2. (usu. be profiled) represent in outline from one side: he was standing motionless, profiled on the far side of the swimming pool. ∎  (be profiled) have a specified shape or appearance in outline: a proud bird profiled like a phoenix. ∎  shape (something), esp. by means of a tool guided by a template: [as adj.] (profiled) profiled and plain tiles. PHRASES: in profile (in reference to someone's face) as seen from one side: a photograph of Leon in profile.DERIVATIVES: pro·fil·er n.