phrasing

noun

phras·​ing ˈfrā-ziŋ 

1

: style of expression : phraseology

2

: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

Synonyms

• articulation
• expression
• formulation
• statement
• utterance
• verbalism
• voice
• wording

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

The fundamental elements of African American music were the sounds of enslaved Africans; cries, hollers, call and response, additive rhythms, bent notes, hand-clapping, stomps and constant repetition of rhythmic and melodic phrasing (from which riffs and vamps were derived). —Ronald E. Scott, New York Daily News, 1 Feb. 2025

Gorsuch’s strikingly informal phrasing signaled a shift toward a more modern, conversational writing style by all nine justices. —Jill Barton, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025

While the phrasing was slightly unusual, Slot was not trying to be condescending in suggesting that those in the room might have been unaware of xG itself. —Mark Carey, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

There was a misery montage of balls dropping… which again, is an unfortunate phrasing. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 5 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

phrasing

noun

phras·​ing

ˈfrā-ziŋ

1

: phraseology sense 1

2

: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases