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.
On one side stood Togo, dressed head to toe in highlighter yellow. — Ryan Lenora Brown, NPR, 14 June 2026 The digital highlighter and pointer can be used to emphasize key points and ensure facts land with impact in both in-person and hybrid settings. — Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 10 June 2026 Five years after stepping away, Jacobs is back with fresh and playful takes on staples such as mascara (shown), concealer and highlighter in a jelly format. — Jackie Fields, PEOPLE, 1 June 2026 In their matching highlighter-pink swimsuits, Brinity takes off on a jet ski to a waiting yacht, where they are supplied with Champagne and cushions to cuddle on. — Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 30 June 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

Rhymes for highlighter

See All Rhymes for highlighter

Browse Nearby Words

highlight
highlighter
highlight halftone
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Highlighter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highlighter. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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