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.

---

Etymology

Origin of highlighting

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

Example Sentences

In highlighting the plasticity of bacterial domains, the study advances fundamental knowledge of how gene transfer occurs between bacterial cells and offers an important clue to understanding how AMR occurs.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

Along with goalkeeper Ben Wilson, the trio have been motivating presences in the dressing room and on the touchline, highlighting the squad strength and Lampard's people management skills.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Thirdly, “no one’s ever going to ring the bell at the bottom,” he said, highlighting that the March 30 low of 6,344 didn’t feature any development that would catalyze the market.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 16, 2026

Maria Sharapova will launch “Pretty Tough,” a new podcast with Vox Media on April 22, highlighting ambitious women.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

His hand was solid as a rock, and his dark Cealdish complexion was tanned even darker than usual, highlighting a few pale scars that ran over his knuckles and up his arms.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss