detailing

noun

de·​tail·​ing ˈdē-ˌtāl-iŋ 

: 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

Examples of detailing in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These boots boast a high-quality design with durable leather uppers and a pebble texture for unique detailing. —Jessie Quinn, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024

Olivia had so many iconic looks on the Sour tour, and some of the detailing in them were bows or little ruffles or tulle fabric. —Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 24 Oct. 2024

The sociopolitical implications of his story—desperate poverty, harassment by the police, along with exploitation by the boxing business and its high-handed authorities—are balanced by his earnest self-analyses and the detailing of his home life. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2024

The smaller brushes are especially great for applying eyeshadows as the set offers a huge range of sizes — including blending and detailing options. —Brittany Loggins, WWD, 8 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above