detailing

noun

de·​tail·​ing ˈdē-ˌtāl-iŋ How to pronounce detailing (audio)
Synonyms of detailingnext
: 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 white, wavy detailing adds just enough contrast to feel fresh and interesting without sacrificing comfort or versatility. Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026 Lipa also wore white gloves and pumps with lion-eye detailing, reportedly by Christian Louboutin; her oversized statement hat, which was lined in gold leaf, was designed by Stephen Jones. Eve Batey, Vanity Fair, 31 May 2026 On the contrary, the Bravia 9 II significantly improves over the original Bravia 9 in both these areas, delivering some of the deepest black tones the LCD world has ever seen (while still retaining excellent shadow detailing) alongside some of the brightest highlights the LCD world has ever seen. John Archer, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026 The new group’s Bronze Green/Raffia/Coral dons a green upper with brown midsole detailing and red branding. Riley Jones, Footwear News, 27 May 2026 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 7 Jun. 2026.

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