phrasing

noun

phras·​ing ˈfrā-ziŋ How to pronounce phrasing (audio)
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
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.
What This Means For You: If your resume doesn’t include the exact phrasing from the job description, it may be filtered out. Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025 She wasn’t exposed to the world of drugs and noticed her own phrasings. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 28 Feb. 2025 In Forrest’s phrasing, his plane could fit inside the truck’s bed. Justin Worland, TIME, 25 Feb. 2025 There are a few reasons for the stockpiling, to use Atkinson’s apt phrasing. Joe Vardon, The Athletic, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for phrasing

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phrasing was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrasing. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

phrasing

noun
phras·​ing
ˈfrā-ziŋ
1
2
: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

More from Merriam-Webster on phrasing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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