highlighter

noun

high·​light·​er ˈhī-ˌlī-tər 

plural highlighters

1

: a cosmetic for making facial features (such as the cheekbones) appear lighter or brighter

To enhance her natural beauty, the former model's complexion is glowing with a light, iridescent highlighter on her cheeks and a clear, glittery gloss on her lips.

—Nicole Saunders

2

: a pen with a broad felt tip and brightly colored transparent ink for marking selected passages in a text

At least 100 publications, from newspapers to scientific journals, come into the building daily, and the editors' scissors and highlighters are never idle.

—Keith Henderson

Examples of highlighter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Highlighter & Bronzer Martin says that highlighter and bronzer follow similar shade matches. — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 11 Oct. 2026

In some instances, the Gucci Glow highlighter and blush were also applied on the eyes to add illumination and pigment. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026

Her skin is positively glowing with both brilliant situated highlighter—the bridge of the nose is so genius—and rosy pink blush that perfectly complements her rosy-brown gradient gloss. — Marci Robin, Allure, 27 Sep. 2026

Finish with a highlighter wand to bring a bit of glow to the tops of your cheekbones, and swipe on a bit of gloss. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for highlighter

• exciter
• firefighter
• igniter
• lamplighter
• reciter
• screenwriter
• scriptwriter
• songwriter
• sportswriter
• typewriter
• biter
• brighter

Kids Definition

highlighter

noun

high·​light·​er

: a pen with a broad felt tip and brightly colored transparent ink for marking selected passages in a text