detailing

noun

de·​tail·​ing ˈdē-ˌtāl-iŋ How to pronounce detailing (audio)
: 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
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.
The dress, a custom gold Louis Vuitton gown with a cape bodice and silver detailing, paired well with large stud earrings and her signature blonde bob. Laney Crawley, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025 The gold detailing shows through both the rackets and the bags and the Laver Cup logo and a logo of the Laver Cup trophy also show up on the products. Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025 The Qiy Penny Loafers have gorgeous ruched detailing and a rich burgundy color that never gets old. Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 10 Sep. 2025 The show featured innovative looks emphasizing detailing, textures, nature, upcycled materials, futurism, utilitarian edge, vintage charm, color and craftsmanship. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for detailing

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of detailing was in 1866

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Detailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detailing. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on detailing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!