shading

noun

shad·​ing ˈshā-diŋ How to pronounce shading (audio)
Synonyms of shadingnext
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
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While Ono’s stature as an artist has largely been rehabilitated, Sheff brings hue and shading to her story. Jem Aswad, Variety, 16 Dec. 2025 The common shading devices and external facades are prone to failure, especially under wind loads. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 6 Dec. 2025 Aubert’s delicate shading had been replaced by solid color fill. Sam MacIlwaine, Outside, 3 Dec. 2025 Seriously, this is one of the best 4K restorations in the history of the process, maintaining the grainy shading of certain scenes while letting colors pop in others. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 25 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shading

Word History

First Known Use

1663, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of shading was in 1663

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Cite this Entry

“Shading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shading. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

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