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
The results suggest that AI most often enters the composing process during idea generation, revision and moments of writer’s block, while students maintain control over argument choice, voice and final phrasing.
—
Jeanne Beatrix Law, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Rising to fame in the 1940s as a crooner with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, Sinatra quickly became a solo sensation, his smooth baritone and intimate phrasing redefining popular music for a generation of listeners.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026
Talking points should be hashed out months in advance, and minor phrasing on official readouts involves tough negotiation.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Users expect natural phrasing and have come to expect complete answers.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Ascend Agency, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
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.
Jeanne Beatrix Law, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2026
Rising to fame in the 1940s as a crooner with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras, Sinatra quickly became a solo sensation, his smooth baritone and intimate phrasing redefining popular music for a generation of listeners.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 24 Mar. 2026
Talking points should be hashed out months in advance, and minor phrasing on official readouts involves tough negotiation.
—Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 21 Mar. 2026
Users expect natural phrasing and have come to expect complete answers.
—Lyssanoel Frater, Ascend Agency, 20 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for phrasing
Cite this Entry
“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrasing. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
