detailing

noun

de·​tail·​ing ˈdē-ˌtāl-iŋ How to pronounce detailing (audio)
Synonyms of detailingnext
: the act, process, or result of detailing something: such as
a
: small design elements
It's subtle, like detailing on an expensive suit.Patricia Leigh Brown
About a thousand people are crammed into the Cabaret Metro, a funky old theater with a balcony overlooking a ballroom floor and a grand stage trimmed with wedding-cake detailing.Doug Simmons
The unsophisticated nature of the detailing and construction indicates that these chairs were made by an untrained craftsman, but over-all they suggest an awareness of high style furniture.Page Talbott
b
: the reporting or recounting of details in describing something
… a bit too much detailing of Strauss's marital relations …Judith Crist
The above is not a precise detailing of the Japanese consensus; public opinion varies widely, …Paul Blustein
Peccavi is billed as "a haven for the health-conscious gourmet," but I found the detailing of calories per dish and the abstemiousness of even the salads to be the sort of penance I'd rather not repeat.Andy Birsh
c
: the meticulous cleaning and refurbishing of an automobile
While some owners prefer to clean their own vehicle, a complete auto detailing may be worth the cost, especially when done by professionals.Doug Bonderud

Examples of detailing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This season, designers continue to favor vibrant hues, elevated button detailing and rich textures to add depth to office dressing, whether through tonal layering or unexpected pairings. Lauren Fisher, Footwear News, 15 May 2026 Diluted laundry detergent can help clean plastic surfaces and fabric upholstery and works well for quick spot treatments between deeper detailing sessions. Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026 Key Background Van Hollen and Patel during Tuesday’s Senate hearing accused each other of drinking on the job, when Van Hollen pressed Patel about a report in The Atlantic detailing allegations that his excessive drinking habits have affected his job performance. Sara Dorn, Forbes.com, 14 May 2026 Spindle bed frames are making a comeback, and Serena & Lily’s Cornwall silhouette is noteworthy for its handcrafted bobbin detailing and unexpected four-poster silhouette. Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for detailing

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detailing was in 1866

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Cite this Entry

“Detailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detailing. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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