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

The five-bedroom house has stone, brick, wood, and iron detailing; stone feature walls; arched halls; chef's kitchen with brick ceiling; lofty sitting room with curved beams; three guest suites; and lower-level wine cellar, gym, and pub. —The Week Staff, theweek, 12 Nov. 2024

Photo : Brick City Photography A domed ceiling with coffered detailing caps the double-height foyer. —Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Nov. 2024

Designed with a high collar, drop shoulders, and signature panelled detailing, this longline pullover is cut for a relaxed, elegant fit. —Kelly Bastone, Outside Online, 31 Oct. 2024

Gomez completed her ensemble with silver rings and sleek black pumps featuring asymmetrical detailing: a glossy strap crossing the vamp from the inside to the outside, connecting at the heel counter. —Maggie Clancy, WWD, 25 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1866, in the meaning defined above