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

Keep reading for details on the makeup trends set to define 2026, from frosty, moonlit highlighters to vampy lips and layered blushes, with expert tips on how to make each look your own. —Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Jan. 2026

For blush, terracotta, warm berry, or deep caramel are the best shades for Black women, while gold or bronze highlighter (not silver) will enhance the makeup’s warmth. —Essence, 6 Jan. 2026

Neon Neon doesn’t belong anywhere outside of a highlighter. —Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 5 Jan. 2026

For the flocked gumdrop effect, go in with a silver or white highlighter next, blending it along the cheekbones. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025

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