phrasing

noun

phras·​ing ˈfrā-ziŋ How to pronounce phrasing (audio)
1
: style of expression : phraseology
2
: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

Examples of phrasing in a Sentence

The phrasing of the instructions was confusing. a singer known for her elegant phrasing
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.
Ace guitar riffs and tambourines mesh into a relaxed but supremely confident groove, riding alongside Crockett’s gritty, elastic vocal phrasing. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 7 July 2025 Although the email tries to sound formal, the phrasing is clumsy and inconsistent. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 6 July 2025 Raised in Tanworth-in-Arden, Warwickshire, Drake was surrounded by music; his mother, Molly, wrote wistful songs in the English parlor tradition, her delicate phrasing later echoed in Nick’s own recordings. arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025 My then-boyfriend, Nick, ignored the tragedy but liked the phrasing. Kelsey Cox, People.com, 30 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for phrasing

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of phrasing was in 1611

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Cite this Entry

“Phrasing.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/phrasing. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

phrasing

noun
phras·​ing
ˈfrā-ziŋ
1
2
: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

More from Merriam-Webster on phrasing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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