- present participle of highlight.
highlighting
Americannoun
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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.
I’m highlighting a collaboration that shows how in tune she was with every generation and peeking at a few of my favorite covers.
From Salon ● Aug. 29, 2026
Preliminary investigations have pointed to a collapsed glacier as the cause of the flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border, highlighting the issue of rapidly melting Himalayan ice, scientists have told the BBC.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
By highlighting groups with especially distinctive genome organization, the framework could help researchers identify evolutionarily unusual animals that may warrant greater scientific or conservation attention.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 25, 2026
The Beijing-based company’s net profit dropped 20.5%, highlighting the headwinds it continues to face across its major businesses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 20, 2026
It’s late afternoon when I wake; the sun emerges from the clouds, highlighting the tender greens all around the cottage.
From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed
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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.