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detailing

American  
[dee-tey-ling] / ˈdi teɪ lɪŋ /

noun

  1. the process of thoroughly cleaning the interior and exterior of a vehicle and doing minor repairs to improve its appearance.

    auto detailing.

Etymology

Origin of detailing

First recorded in 1970–75; detail ( def. 13 ) + -ing 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In the post-victory celebrations he was already looking ahead and detailing how he felt achieving his golfing dream would "free him up" to add more majors.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

A likeness of the former U.S. senator, a plaque detailing his service, and, of course, water.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

“From the moment you arrive, the home’s timeless Texas limestone facade, rich wood beams, and refined architectural detailing create an unmistakable sense of understated luxury,” the description notes.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

Good luck finding an in-depth story about Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine’s briefing this week, detailing how a mighty U.S. joint force, in 38 days, dismantled one of the world’s largest militaries.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

Four or five paragraphs were devoted to detailing the theater design—Oriental deities, minarets, hanging rugs, burning incense.

From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.