highlighting

American  

[hahy-lahy-ting] / ˈhaɪˌlaɪ tɪŋ /

noun

1. a hair dyeing technique in which dye is applied to parts of the hair for a naturally lighter and contrasting appearance.

2. a makeup application style in which a cosmetic powder or cream is applied to the face in places where light would naturally hit, as the cheeks, forehead, chin, and center of the nose, to create a glowing effect.

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Etymology

Origin of highlighting

First recorded in 1955–60; highlight ( def. ) + -ing ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

I’m just highlighting her little “isms” with people, and I mean, you saw the show, I’m definitely not making fun of her!

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

That summer saw temperatures exceed 40C for the first time in parts of Britain, stretching fire services to their limits and highlighting how rising heat and dryness can rapidly escalate fire risk.

From BBC • May 6, 2026

Palantir CEO Alex Karp touted the company’s “ staggering growth” despite “a hiring discipline that is too rare in the software industry today,” highlighting that it only has 70 salespeople.

From MarketWatch • May 5, 2026

She explained that if the AI tool had found something suspicious, there would have been an “E” for “elevated,” with a triangle or circle highlighting the problematic spot.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

She’s wearing a new glittery scarf, and it’s pulled back near her ears, highlighting long pendant earrings.

From "Saints and Misfits" by S.K. Ali