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
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.
To tackle this, the turbine blades were heavily processed, treated, and tested, and then used for sun shading elements rather than for the whole facade. Adam Williams may 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026 Modern introductions take this shading to extremes, with some stunning varieties featuring near solid silver foliage and others displaying deeper greens for even greater contrast. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 8 May 2026 Many of these images were highly persuasive, complete with fully legible text, shading, and other visual props that increased their photorealism. Lila Shroff, The Atlantic, 2 May 2026 In an era when the genre was dominated by bro-country clichés — add equal parts beer, truck and dirt road, stir and serve — Clark, McAnally and Osborne brought varied subject matter, richer emotional shadings and more cosmopolitan leanings. New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shading.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shading. Accessed 14 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shading

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