highlighter

noun

high·​light·​er ˈhī-ˌlī-tər How to pronounce highlighter (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Cop a Mini Limitless Lash Mascara or Mini Lip Sketch in Banquette on any order, a bronzer or highlighter on orders worth $100 or more, or Barrier Build on orders worth $175 or more. Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 22 May 2026 It can be used as a primer, highlighter, or to fake a bronzed complexion. Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 21 May 2026 The glam, meanwhile, was much more modern, with monochromatic pink on the eyes, lips, and cheeks, and just a touch of highlighter from makeup artist Soo Park. Mykenna Maniece, Vogue, 20 May 2026 The brand’s Underpainting Palette comes with one color corrector, two highlighters and two contours in three shades—light, medium and deep. Rachel Burchfield, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for highlighter

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of highlighter was in 1963

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Cite this Entry

“Highlighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highlighter. Accessed 28 May. 2026.

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
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