1
: style of expression : phraseology
2
: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases
Examples of phrasing in a Sentence
The phrasing of the instructions was confusing.
a singer known for her elegant phrasing
Recent Examples on the Web
Well, Neruda and a full inventory of why he’s not suited for her that concludes with the moon-star-sun phrasing so close to her heart.
—
Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 July 2025
No classical performer is more mainstream than Yo-Yo Ma, but his successive recordings of the Bach cello suites have been strongly influenced by period-instrument practice in such matters as phrasing and the use of gut strings.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
The phrasing on the sign is similar to that used in a series of billboards placed outside many U.S. national parks earlier this summer by a labor advocacy group, More Perfect Union.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 17 July 2025
Marlowe dragged just a hair on his phrasing, too, creating the illusion that the whole track was on the edge of a breakdown.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
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Keith Phipps, Vulture, 24 July 2025
No classical performer is more mainstream than Yo-Yo Ma, but his successive recordings of the Bach cello suites have been strongly influenced by period-instrument practice in such matters as phrasing and the use of gut strings.
—David Denby, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
The phrasing on the sign is similar to that used in a series of billboards placed outside many U.S. national parks earlier this summer by a labor advocacy group, More Perfect Union.
—Owen Clarke, Outside Online, 17 July 2025
Marlowe dragged just a hair on his phrasing, too, creating the illusion that the whole track was on the edge of a breakdown.
—Tom Roland, Billboard, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrasing. Accessed 4 Aug. 2025.
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