phrasing

1 of 2

noun

phras·​ing ˈfrā-ziŋ 

1

: style of expression : phraseology

2

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

phrasing

2 of 2

present participle of phrase entry 2

Synonyms of phrasing

Noun

• voice
• formulation
• wording
• expression

Examples of phrasing in a Sentence

Noun

The phrasing of the instructions was confusing.

a singer known for her elegant phrasing

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

After the commercial break, Hernandez thought better of his phrasing. — Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026

The letters themselves carry their own aesthetic charge – dense with classical Chinese phrasing, compressed to the point of ambiguity, possessed of what Lan describes as a refined, antique beauty. — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 July 2026

Lawsuits are a perennial feature of California’s election season, but judges have been reluctant to alter the attorney general’s phrasing. — Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 23 July 2026

The latter line, in its phrasing and melody and even the musical tone of its words, is an almost perfect mimic of Santa Claus asking Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer to guide his sleigh. — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phrasing

• blazing
• brazing
• crazing
• gazing
• glazing
• grazing
• hazing
• phasing
• praising
• raising
• razing
• amazing

Kids Definition

phrasing

noun

phras·​ing

ˈfrā-ziŋ

1

: phraseology sense 1

2

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