marker

American  

[mahr-ker] / ˈmɑr kər /

noun

1. a person or thing that marks.

2. something used as a mark or indication, as a bookmark or tombstone.

3. a person who records the scores, points, etc., as in a game or contest.

4. a counter used in card playing.

5. Digital Technology. a navigation pointer or other indicator in a graphical user interface: Place markers at the beginning and end of your selection to trim your video in edit mode.

   Dragging the marker up the sound bar will increase the volume.

   Place markers at the beginning and end of your selection to trim your video in edit mode.

6. Genetics. genetic marker.

7. Psychology. an object, as a book or topcoat left at a library table, used to establish territorial possession in a public place.

8. Linguistics.

   1. an element of a construction, as a coordinating conjunction, that is not a part of either immediate constituent.

   2. an element that indicates the grammatical class or function of a construction.

9. a small radio beacon, automatically operated, used for local navigation of vessels.

10. mile-marker.

11. Also called marker pen,.  Also called marking pen.  a pen designed for making bold, colorful, or indelible marks, as in making signs or identifying objects.

12. Slang.

    1. a debt, especially a gambling debt.

    2. a written or signed promise to pay a debt, especially a gambling debt; a promissory note or IOU.

13. Also called marker crude.  Commerce. a grade of oil on which prices of other crude oils are based.

14. Citizens Band Radio Slang. one's location while driving on a highway, as determined by the nearest milepost.

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marker British  

/ ˈmɑːkə /

noun

1. 1. something used for distinguishing or marking

   2. ( as modifier )

      a marker buoy

2. a person or thing that marks

3. a person or object that keeps or shows scores in a game

4. a trait, condition, gene, or substance that indicates the presence of, or a probable increased predisposition to, a medical or psychological disorder See biological marker genetic marker medical marker

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Etymology

Origin of marker

First recorded in 1480–90; mark ¹ + -er ¹

Example Sentences

The cease-fire reached between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday night offer a marker to show what has, and what has not, shifted in global financial markets.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026

The cease-fire reached between the U.S. and Iran on Tuesday night presents a marker showing how things have shifted in global financial markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

In the last 12 months, McIlroy has discovered that was more of a memorable mile marker than a monumental, life-changing milestone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

To refine the timeline, the researchers turned to previously published data involving an isotope marker found within the K/Pg boundary.

From Science Daily • Mar. 15, 2026

I take out my maroon marker and color in the lettering of HAMEED’S KITCHEN.

From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan

Related Words

• flag
• gravestone
• indicator
• pole
• stone
• tombstone