phrasing

noun

phras·​ing ˈfrā-ziŋ 

1

: style of expression : phraseology

2

: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases

Synonyms

• voice
• formulation
• wording
• expression

Examples of phrasing in a Sentence

The phrasing of the instructions was confusing.

a singer known for her elegant phrasing

Recent Examples on the Web

Advertisement Although not an ordained minister, Dobson was clearly fluent in Evangelical phrasing and unwelcoming of greys. —Philip Elliott, Time, 21 Aug. 2025

Almost all of the account’s posts right now are mimicking Donald Trump’s distinct tweeting style, replete with condescending nicknames, weirdly formal phrasing, and multiple-exclamation-point bluster. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025

Already Guerrero seems to be able to convey of-the-moment phrasings and character directions with a few emphatic motions—a roller-coaster swoop here, a waggle of the fingers there—and get an immediate response from the choristers. —Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2025

This opens the door to more natural writing and varied phrasing. —Jeremy Fields, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phrasing

• blazing
• brazing
• crazing
• gazing
• glazing
• grazing
• hazing
• lasing
• phasing
• praising
• raising
• razing

Kids Definition

phrasing

noun

phras·​ing

ˈfrā-ziŋ

1

: phraseology sense 1

2

: the act, method, or result of grouping notes into musical phrases