shading

noun

shad·​ing ˈshā-diŋ How to pronounce shading (audio)
1
: the use of marking made within outlines to suggest three-dimensionality, shadow, or degrees of light and dark in a picture or drawing
2
: an interpretative effect in music gained especially by subtle changes in dynamics

Examples of shading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The higher-speed chip also unlocks some additional graphics capabilities like ray tracing, mesh shading, and dynamic caching for graphics-intensive tasks. Brenda Stolyar, WIRED, 5 Mar. 2025 Hackman often drew on these painful memories when roles required a darker shading. Tom Gliatto, People.com, 4 Mar. 2025 Oesterheld’s ingenuity and Solano López’s deceptively simple, darkly expressive drawing and shading produce a science-fiction horror tale of rare distinctiveness. Mike Hale, New York Times, 1 May 2025 As an actor, Ferreira has an instinct for comic shading. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 22 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shading

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shading was in 1663

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Cite this Entry

“Shading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shading. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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