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

Natural gas has come under pressure even as crude oil rallied, highlighting a disconnect between a globally tight oil market and a gas market burdened by excess supply and muted weather-driven demand.

From Barron's • Apr. 16, 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

Pildes pitched potential venues by highlighting the event’s supposed charitable mission, according to prosecutors.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Stormzy's stab-proof vest, which he wore during his headline set at Glastonbury, is one of the centrepieces of a new exhibition highlighting 125 years of black British music.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

The selective highlighting endows the lifesize figure of David and the gruesome head with a startling presence.

From "History of Art, Volume 1" by H.W. Janson