detailing

1 of 2

noun

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

detailing

2 of 2

present participle of detail entry 2

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.
Noun
The Star reported this story over the course of several weeks following an anonymous Reddit thread that went viral detailing allegations about Jay Sanders’ misconduct and abuse at popular Kansas City-area bars Drastic Measures and Wild Child. Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 2026 Emily Ratajkowski, a favorite model for Burch, took the runway in a slightly sheer navy tank with red detailing and a matching pleated navy midi skirt and brown medallion belt. Anika Reed, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026 The body was then finished in an iridescent mother-of-pearl white, providing a suitably extravagant backdrop for the jewelry-like detailing. New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2026 Each is differentiated by different colors and patterns, but common detailing comes in the form of colorful jewel studs, safety pins, distressed soles and bright orange cheetah print insoles. Ian Servantes, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for detailing

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 22 Sep. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on detailing

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster