detailing

noun

de·​tail·​ing ˈdē-ˌtāl-iŋ How to pronounce detailing (audio)
: 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
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.
The black bodysuit featured a plunging neckline with scalloped detailing and was designed with a delicate ripple-like pattern. Julia Teti, WWD, 28 Feb. 2025 The owners were a pair of Broadway set designers, and painted the floors and walls with trompe l’oeil detailing. Angela Serratore, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 As described in the press notes, sight is portrayed through silhouettes from majestic to micro proportions; oversized profiles to mini landscapes with petite detailing. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025 Pamela Anderson floated along the venue’s blue-colored carpet in a goddess-like Dior gown, while Ariana Grande arrived in an ethereal sheer Loewe bustier dress with floral detailing. Oscar Holland, CNN, 23 Feb. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

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

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