- present participle of highlight.
highlighting
Americannoun
-
a hair dyeing technique in which dye is applied to parts of the hair for a naturally lighter and contrasting appearance.
-
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.
Etymology
Origin of highlighting
First recorded in 1955–60; highlight ( def. ) + -ing 1 ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Organizers said hundreds of names were on a waiting list for the event, highlighting the industry buzz around Venezuela's oil sector re-opening after years of state control.
From Barron's ● Sep. 30, 2026
Smith was discussing opportunities for business leaders and employees to unlock the potential of AI—a challenge that frustrates many senior executives, as WSJ Leadership Institute President Alan Murray noted—rather than highlighting marketing in particular.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 24, 2026
Human operators have generally selected intended targets or target areas for moral reasons, highlighting the significance of the V2U’s ability to carry out these missions autonomously.
From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2026
Slovakia is understood to have pressed for Usmanov's name to removed initially, and France then backed the move, highlighting national security concerns.
From BBC ● Sep. 23, 2026
My face is relatively clear of makeup, just a bit of highlighting here and there.
From "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins
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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.