marker

American  

[mahr-ker] / ˈmɑr kər /

noun

• markers
  plural

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, 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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• markers
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of marker

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

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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

See Examples For:

marker markers

And three years out from the 2029 World Cup, they have laid down an early marker of their title credentials.

From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026

“It’s a marker of having good care for people with blood clots.”

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 19, 2026

Scientists also believe the protein could serve as a blood marker, providing a way to detect and monitor these cells.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 14, 2026

In one, she holds up a finger covered in red marker to look like blood, pretending to be a patient who asks how much stitches will cost, and is later shocked by the bill.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026

His bookshelves, the Delaware Valley Raptor Sanctuary calendar with Braviary’s release circled in red marker, even the index card that he thinks she doesn’t know he has.

From "A Bird Will Soar" by Alison Green Myers

Their cellular activation markers changed, their ability to remove debris declined, and they showed molecular signatures linked to cellular senescence, a biological state associated with aging and cellular stress.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 18, 2026

In addition, introducing the labels can be challenging, and some markers may alter the behavior of the very structures scientists want to study.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 17, 2026

But weather and shifting terrain have left the ceasefire line with only about 200 markers, making it difficult for South Korea, North Korea and the U.N.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Roughly 1,300 markers were installed along the border at the time of the armistice identifying the military demarcation line.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

It took me 30 hours, 50 sheets of paper, 2 yards of ribbon for the binding, a pack of 12 markers, 100 stickers, and 1 ruler.

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

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Related Words

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

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