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

In the same vein, Molon’s friendship with Kiko Milano’s CEO Simone Dominici sparked the co-creation of a lip collection inspired by the Stabilo Boss Mini highlighters turned into lip markers available in five shades. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026

For example, restock on Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks, mascaras, highlighters and more all on sale, or consider purchasing to gift someone this holiday season. — ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026

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

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