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.
My favorite cream blush and highlighter duo stick from Wander Beauty is $18 off right now. Madeline Merinuk, PEOPLE, 30 May 2026 Designed for multiuse as a blush, highlighter, bronzer, or allover skin tint, the product is made with moisturizing natural oils and comes in 15 sheer, buildable shades. Jenny Berg, Glamour, 29 May 2026 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 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 5 Jun. 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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