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 this case, the product is a lovely liquid highlighter that seamlessly blends into the skin to deliver a radiant (but never sparkly) sheen. —Sophia Panych, Allure, 15 May 2025

The Puff Puff Pass Mini setting powder and That White Powder Mini, both priced at $12, complement the highlighters by ensuring long-lasting makeup wear. —Wwd Staff, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025

One in every five dollars spent on highlighters at Sephora is spent on minis. —Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 9 May 2025

One unique feature of OneNote's web clipper is a highlighter. —PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 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