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
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The retro sneakers featured a smooth green leather upper with white serrated three-stripe detailing, a rounded toe and a flat rubber sole — a clean, low-profile build typical of Adidas’ early training shoes. Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Nov. 2025 Plus, the mint base contrasted with the purple detailing is playful and effortlessly spices up any outfit. Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 7 Nov. 2025 Baldoni took legal action of his own, including a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for publishing an exposé detailing Lively's claims (the complaint was dismissed in June). Edward Segarra, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025 It was paired with a hat by German designer Hutkönig Regensburg, while a second look, a caftan designed in a regal golden hue with cream detailing, was designed by Tom Ford from his first collection for Yves Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2002. Essence, 4 Nov. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Detailing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/detailing. Accessed 12 Nov. 2025.

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