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

Explanation

A marker is an ink-filled pen with a wide tip. Kids often use washable markers, while adults are usually trusted with the permanent type. Permanent markers contain ink that can't be washed away, and they're useful for labeling and marking things like cardboard boxes and file folders. Another kind of marker is a highlighter, which you can use to make important words or phrases in a book stand out with a line of translucent neon ink. A different meaning of marker is "something that marks a route or specific place." Markers along a hiking trail help keep you from getting lost.

Example Sentences

In a financialized pharmaceutical industry, the ultimate marker of success and failure rests not with the lives improved or saved.

From MarketWatch • May 21, 2026

Using a marker, he wrote two headings on a poster: “What We’re Here For” and “What We’re Not Here For.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Participants who consumed grapes showed lower levels of this marker, suggesting reduced oxidative stress in the skin.

From Science Daily • May 18, 2026

Levine said recent studies show that a lower sperm count is associated with higher morbidity — meaning a low sperm count can be a marker of poor health in general.

From Salon • May 15, 2026

I notice it even before I get up close, because the words are in a different color marker.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

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