detailing

1 of 2

noun

Synonyms of detailingnext
: 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

detailing

2 of 2

present participle of detail entry 2

Examples of detailing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The reality star wore a black velour sweatsuit set, complete with a zip-up jacket and silver detailing. — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026 The space is done up in Crème Light leather with Moccasin and Tan detailing, along with Ash Burr and Silver Birch veneers. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026 They were rewarded by Kardashian’s arrival, clad in a formfitting tan midi dress with lace-up grommet detailing, triggering a storm of flashes and handshakes. — Mary Wenthur, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026 At the facility, used vehicles undergo inspections, repairs, detailing, and photography in high-definition, 360-degree camera booths before being listed online. — Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 17 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detailing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 25 Sep. 2026.

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