1
: the use of marking made within outlines to suggest three-dimensionality, shadow, or degrees of light and dark in a picture or drawing
2
: an interpretative effect in music gained especially by subtle changes in dynamics
Examples of shading in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In his score, Wagner manipulates space and scale, suggesting intimate chambers and vast expanses of the North Atlantic with innumerable shadings of orchestration.
—
Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Investigations into previous avalanches have raised questions about the growing use of those maps, which may miss small nuances in slope angle or terrain that increase avalanche risk beyond what the shading might imply.
—Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
That said, the red shading on the shoulder and rib area just doesn’t do it for me, especially when the font and numbers are already red.
—Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The newly-sighted get better at perceiving differences in color, shape, and size — even if they were treated for their congenital cataracts after years of blindness—but not so much at spotting differences in shading or contours.
—Sachin Rawat, Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shading
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.
Justin Davidson, Vulture, 11 Mar. 2026
Investigations into previous avalanches have raised questions about the growing use of those maps, which may miss small nuances in slope angle or terrain that increase avalanche risk beyond what the shading might imply.
—Sacbee.com, 9 Mar. 2026
That said, the red shading on the shoulder and rib area just doesn’t do it for me, especially when the font and numbers are already red.
—Johnny Flores Jr, New York Times, 6 Mar. 2026
The newly-sighted get better at perceiving differences in color, shape, and size — even if they were treated for their congenital cataracts after years of blindness—but not so much at spotting differences in shading or contours.
—Sachin Rawat, Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for shading
Cite this Entry
“Shading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shading. Accessed 19 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
