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.
In honor of her bestie Taylor Swift's wedding with Travis Kelce on July 3, Gomez stepped out in a shimmering Oscar de la Renta dress dripping in crystals and gold fringe detailing. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026 The Glamaker Puff-sleeve Blouse leans into that shift with its mix of eyelet and lace detailing, plus a subtle puff sleeve that adds shape without feeling overdone. Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026 At the top of the range, the BMW X5 M60e xDrive receives unique styling, including M Yellow lighting elements, a bespoke illuminated grille, quad exhaust outlets and distinctive M exterior detailing. Matthew MacConnell, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 The chest itself, meanwhile, is believed to have been produced as a backup version, with the onscreen chest featuring additional exterior detailing, according to Heritage. Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 30 June 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 6 Jul. 2026.

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