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

Check out this style with criss-cross detailing that shoppers say can be dressed up or down. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 13 Apr. 2024

Earthy hues complement the home’s wood detailing, which is stylishly executed across the kitchen cabinetry and indeed the cabinetry seen throughout. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 3 Apr. 2024

Sponsors include Ferrari of San Diego, Ceramic Pro Elite Dealer detailing, Titan 7 Wheels and Mega Motorsports. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 Mar. 2024

The Boudoir Gloves, opera-length gloves made from demure mesh with velvet detailing, pay homage to LOUIS XIII’s traditional white glove service, infused with design elements from LaQuan Smith’s iconic ready-to-wear styles. —Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

These things—and yes, a little touch of red detailing—will encourage your hummingbirds to stay longer and keep them coming back for more. —Stephanie Osmanski, Southern Living, 27 Mar. 2024

Others had frogging—an olde-worlde technique redolent of hussar uniforms, applied here to pieces with a casual quality that works well with that kind of intricate detailing. —Mark Holgate, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2024

The home features 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors, and custom detailing, including woodwork and copper veranda roofing, gutters, and downspouts. —Matthew Glowicki, The Courier-Journal, 14 Mar. 2024

The frilly cap sleeves and relaxed fit complement the sweet Swiss dot detailing. —Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above