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
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The space boasts largely black and white detailing, and a fantastical Glamora wallcovering adds depth behind the bed with subtle pastels (the guest bathroom has the same color scheme, albeit more graphic). Ludovica Stevan, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2026 Beside him, Scherzinger wore a coordinated catsuit with large hip cutouts and gold detailing. Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026 In one photo, the supermodel can be seen sitting on her knees in a yellow set with lace detailing, showing off her toned abs as her hair blows in the wind. Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026 Try these striking pumps with studded buckle detailing along their pointed-toes. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 3 Apr. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detailing. Accessed 6 Apr. 2026.

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