detailing

noun

de·​tail·​ing ˈdē-ˌtāl-iŋ 

: 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

Examples of detailing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The spare interiors, with polished concrete floors and opaque glass, are scrupulously free of fussy moldings and extraneous detailing. —Mark David, Robb Report, 18 Nov. 2023

Paul Smith Card Case Pullout Wallet Paul Smith’s luxurious leather wallet gets a Wonka upgrade with deep maroon and purple-hued detailing. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 16 Nov. 2023

The dark hue, with its contrasting smoke-like detailing, creates a soothing sense of shadowy volume and echoes the darker design elements in the room, such as the bar stools and light fixtures. 4. —By sunset, Sunset Magazine, 9 Nov. 2023

What to Consider Some may find the floral detailing on the top and bottom of the sole to be a little too much. —Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 24 Oct. 2023

The detailing included abstract images of flowers and vines in a bright yellow shade. —Charna Flam, Peoplemag, 9 Nov. 2023

These handmade ceramic pieces have a classic floral design with gold detailing. —Enjanae' Taylor, Southern Living, 7 Nov. 2023

Three buttons down the front of the shirt add delicate detailing to this simple top that features a loose fit and promises to be endlessly comfortable and breathable, no matter the occasion. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 30 Oct. 2023

Cher also added some delicate silver detailing to her nails to give them that holiday-ready glimmer and sparkle, taking a traditional French-style mani up a notch. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 25 Oct. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above