toner

noun

ton·​er ˈtō-nər 

: one that tones or is a source of tones: such as

a

: a substance (such as a thermoplastic powder) used especially to develop an image (such as a latent xerographic image) on a piece of paper

b

: a liquid cosmetic for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores

c

: a solution used to impart color to a silver photographic image

Examples of toner in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Pre-toning with a purple toner removes yellow shades, which prepares the hair to accept the silver dye. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 25 Sep. 2026

Keep scrolling through to shop more glow-boosting products from Annemarie Börlind, too, like the firming gel toner and on-sale night cream. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 25 Sep. 2026

More of a milky toner than a traditional, liquid-y essence, this formula uses ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterols (all lipids naturally found in the skin barrier) to make quick work of dryness. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 2026

Those with a penchant for toner pads or exfoliation should turn to M-61’s PowerGlow Peel—one swipe for a visible glow, no rinse required. — Valeriya Chupinina, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

tone entry 2 + -er entry 2

First Known Use

1888, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for toner

• donor
• kroner
• kronor
• loner
• owner
• stoner
• homeowner
• landowner
• shipowner

Medical Definition

toner

noun

ton·​er

ˈtō-nər

: one that tones

a muscle toner

especially : a liquid cosmetic for cleansing the skin and contracting the pores

facial toners