highlighter

American  

[hahy-lahy-ter] / ˈhaɪˌlaɪ tər /

noun

highlighters plural

1. a felt-tip pen with a wide nib for highlighting passages of printed material in a soft, transparent color.

2. a cosmetic powder or cream 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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highlighter British  

/ ˈhaɪˌlaɪtə /

noun

1. a cosmetic cream or powder applied to the face to highlight the cheekbones, eyes, etc

2. a fluorescent felt-tip pen used as a marker to emphasize a section of text without obscuring it

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• highlighters
  plural

Etymology

Origin of highlighter

First recorded in 1965–70; highlight + -er ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

He has completed an eye-popping 85.7% of his passes this year, including some highlight-reel deep throws.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 3, 2026

Stafford, 37, and Adams, 32, combined for a few highlight-reel plays in the first six games.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 1, 2025

On the undercard, Welsh welterweight Oban Elliott delivered the first highlight-reel moment of the night as he knocked out American Bassil Hafez with a huge overhand right in the third round.

From BBC • Nov. 17, 2024

For U.S. rugby, Tuesday’s medal, and the highlight-reel way in which it was won, could have a similar effect as the country prepares to host the 2028 Olympics and the rugby World Cup in 2031.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 30, 2024

For all the highlight-reel plays Jefferson has made over his first four years in the league, the one that stood out to Adofo-Mensah wasn’t even among the highlight clips.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024