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,.  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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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• markers
  plural

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

See Examples For:

marker markers

Through 2023 and 2024, new flavors, popularity among teenagers and products like Goldfish Crisps helped drive Goldfish sales past the $1 billion marker.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 3, 2026

When parking spots are scarce, supercar drivers often take to loading zones, bus stops and other spaces denoted with double yellow lines—the British marker of “no parking.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026

"Sleep could become an accessible marker for the early identification of vulnerable individuals," adds Gilles Vandewalle.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 29, 2026

At the time she was laid to rest without a grave maker, but this month officials memorialized Raker by commissioning a permanent marker at her burial site.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 28, 2026

I had my head down on the table, close to her hand so I could watch while she drew, and my right hand was up in the air, gripped tight around the marker.

From Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

As a result of all these shifts, the 20th-century markers of middle-class life may no longer be relevant in the 21st century, said UT Austin’s Mechele Dickerson.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026

Researchers used artificial intelligence to determine which combination of biomarkers provided the most useful diagnostic information and then incorporated those markers into a clinical decision tool.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 2, 2026

A recent study, external from North America looking at the effectiveness of box breathing found it could prevent large increases in heart rate and other stress markers in the body among people facing high-pressure situations.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

Popular belief in extraterrestrial life and alien encounters was one of the first markers of post-World War II psychology.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 28, 2026

I go to the bin of markers on the bookshelf and grab a green one.

From "A Soft Place to Land" by Janae Marks

Related Words

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