shading

noun

shad·​ing ˈshā-diŋ 

1

: the use of marking made within outlines to suggest three-dimensionality, shadow, or degrees of light and dark in a picture or drawing

2

: an interpretative effect in music gained especially by subtle changes in dynamics

Examples of shading in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ideally, these lines should be highly conductive, form low-resistance ohmic contact with silicon, and be as narrow and tall as possible to reduce light shading while maintaining current capacity. —Ni Tao, Interesting Engineering, 19 Jan. 2026

In drawing classes, CBS Atlanta observed participants on the first day of class, learning the fundamentals, like how different pencils affect shading, tone, and texture. —Nakell Williams, CBS News, 12 Jan. 2026

But when the storytelling gets too stately, her cast brings the necessary shading. —Tim Grierson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2026

Innovations in solar range from new methods to capture light with black silicon to the exploding field of agrivoltaics (combining agriculture and partial shading with solar panels to grow more food). —Joshua Pearce, Forbes.com, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for shading

• aiding
• blading
• braiding
• fading
• grading
• lading
• raiding
• trading
• wading
• abrading
• blockading
• cascading