shading

noun

shad·​ing ˈshā-diŋ How to pronounce shading (audio)
Synonyms of shadingnext
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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Line thickness here represents the pass volume between players, while the shading indicates pass quality, with red lines denoting passive passes, green ones more threatening ones. Conor O'Neill, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2026 Why not go cold turkey on occasion and report economic statistics with no shading? Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 15 Apr. 2026 The neon green shading indicates flood warnings. Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 14 Apr. 2026 Some vignettes had the grainy shading of excessive toner powder, while others were bleached out. Katherine Rochester, Artforum, 1 Apr. 2026 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 30 Apr. 2026.

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