detail

1 of 2

noun

de·​tail di-ˈtāl  ˈdē-ˌtāl 

1

: extended treatment of or attention to particular items

explaining without going into detail

giving careful attention to detail

2

: a part of a whole: such as

a

: a small and subordinate part : particular

planned the wedding down to the smallest detail

also : a reproduction of such a part of a work of art

b

: a part considered or requiring to be considered separately from the whole

discussing the details of the building's columns

c

: the small elements that collectively constitute a work of art

admire the great detail of his work

d

photography : the small elements of an image corresponding to those of the subject

strong lighting to achieve clarity of detail

3

a

: selection of a person or group for a particular task (as in military service)

b(1)

: the person or group selected

a member of a security detail

police details at the parade

(2)

: the task to be performed

were assigned to kitchen detail

detail

2 of 2

verb

detailed; detailing; details

transitive verb

1

: to report minutely and distinctly : to report with close attention to small elements : specify

detailed their grievances

wrote a letter detailing her vacation

2

: to assign to a particular task

was detailed to another unit during maneuvers

3

: to furnish with the smaller elements of design and finish

trimmings that detail slips and petticoats

4

: to clean and refurbish (a vehicle) very thoroughly and meticulously

detail a car

intransitive verb

: to make detail drawings

detailer noun

Phrases

in detail

: with all the particulars

explained the job in detail

Synonyms

Noun

• item
• particular
• point

Verb

• post
• station

Choose the Right Synonym for detail

item, detail, particular mean one of the distinct parts of a whole.

item applies to each thing specified separately in a list or in a group of things that might be listed or enumerated.

every item on the list

detail applies to one of the small component parts of a larger whole such as a task, building, painting, narration, or process.

leave the details to others

particular stresses the smallness, singleness, and especially the concreteness of a detail or item.

a description that included few particulars

Examples of detail in a Sentence

Noun

Every detail of the wedding was carefully planned.

They designed every detail of the house.

the wooden box's fine carved detail

We admired the detail of the artist's work.

The job requires attention to detail.

The article provides further details.

You left out an important detail about their new baby: is it a girl or boy?

The novel is full of historical details.

The book includes a wealth of detail on living conditions aboard ships at that time.

The novel is full of historical detail.

Verb

The book details the series of events that led to the tragedy.

She wrote a letter detailing her complaints.

The Army has detailed him to investigate the complaints.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This pair fits the bill—and gets extra points for the edgy zipper detail. —Laura Jackson, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2024

Exact details on what all of them do are still being discovered, but early signs suggest that there are a few new abilities that are unlike anything else in the game. —Mike Stubbs, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Verb

First was the custom black Joe Ando gown with sheer detailing that Dorfman wore for the carpet. —Christian Allaire, Vogue, 25 Oct. 2024

Now, the girl’s account, detailed in court documents, is giving a first glimpse into what unfolded. —Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb

French détail, from Old French detail slice, piece, from detaillier to cut in pieces, from de- + taillier to cut — more at tailor

First Known Use

Noun

1603, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1650, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Phrases Containing detail

• detail man
• detail work
• down to the smallest/last/tiniest detail
• fastidious attention to detail
• go into detail
• in gory detail

Kids Definition

detail

1 of 2 noun

de·​tail di-ˈtā(ə)l  ˈdē-ˌtāl 

1

a

: a dealing with something item by item

go into detail about an event

b

: a small part or feature : item

the details of a story

2

a

: selection (as of a group of soldiers) for some special service

b

: a soldier or group of soldiers appointed for special duty

detail

2 of 2 verb

1

: to report in detail : specify

detailed their complaints

2

: to assign to a task

detailer noun