The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word DRAWINGS
I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
D
R
A
W
I
N
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S
More clues leading to the result DRAWINGS
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "sketches" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case sketches = drawings.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DRAWINGS mean?
DRAWINGS noun- A picture, likeness, diagram or representation, usually drawn on paper.
- (uncountable) The act of producing such a picture.
- Such acts practiced as a graphic art form.
- The process of drawing or pulling something.
- An act or event in which the outcome (e.g., designating a winner) is selected by chance in the form of a blind draw, notably of lots; especially such a contest in which a winning name or number is selected randomly by removing (or drawing) it from a container, popularly a hat.
- A small portion of tea for steeping.