phrasing

1 of 2

noun

phras·​ing ˈfrā-ziŋ 

1

: style of expression : phraseology

2

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

phrasing

2 of 2

present participle of phrase entry 2

Synonyms of phrasing

Noun

• voice
• formulation
• wording
• expression

Examples of phrasing in a Sentence

Noun

The phrasing of the instructions was confusing.

a singer known for her elegant phrasing

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Meanwhile, Alexey Tsydenov, head of the neighboring Buryatia republic, publicly confirmed her death was linked to a plague infection before quietly editing his statement hours later to use more ambiguous phrasing. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026

The track never pushes too hard; its momentum comes from a nimble bassline, quick phrasing, and a chorus that lands with effortless precision. — Brittney Williams, Billboard, 23 Sep. 2026

Council members weren’t pleased with the ambiguous phrasing of the community benefit commitment, however. — Charlotte Observer, 15 Sep. 2026

Her phrasing gives away the fact that the original house is no more. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1611, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for phrasing

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

Kids Definition

phrasing

noun

phras·​ing

ˈfrā-ziŋ

1

: phraseology sense 1

2

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