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

My hair is rejecting the toner. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 5 Jan. 2026

In 2013, my husband Dave and I hauled a beat-up, fire-engine-red suitcase overflowing with sheet masks, toners, snail creams, and pimple patches to the Hester Street Fair, a weekend market in the Lower East Side. —Charlotte Cho, Allure, 3 Jan. 2026

Lee’s a fan of it too, adding that milky toners were a common addition for an adjacent TikTok trend that gained traction this year. —Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2025

Sisley’s biggest 2025 launch, the Sisleÿum for Men line includes four products—a gel cleanser, a hydrating toner, and two moisturizers—tailored to guys’ skin in ways that feel thoughtful, not merely masculinized. —Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 31 Dec. 2025

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