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 Tetzlaff never betrayed any such angst: his phrasing was swooningly expressive, his subtle shades and bravura passagework nothing short of astonishing. Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 15 June 2024 Man of the Moment Alexander Rosen cannot quite recall which newspaper ran the headline, but eight years later, the phrasing still sticks in his mind. Christopher F. Schuetze, New York Times, 14 June 2024 Individual companies also select their own precautionary label phrasing. Carolyn Beans, Ars Technica, 13 June 2024 But the Australian composer’s eccentric guitar phrasing appears to have been replaced by a variety of synths. Reed Jackson, SPIN, 6 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for phrasing 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'phrasing.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phrasing was in 1611

Dictionary Entries Near phrasing

Cite this Entry

“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrasing. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

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

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