highlighter

noun

high·​light·​er ˈhī-ˌlī-tər 

plural highlighters

1

: a cosmetic for making facial features (such as the cheekbones) appear lighter or brighter

To enhance her natural beauty, the former model's complexion is glowing with a light, iridescent highlighter on her cheeks and a clear, glittery gloss on her lips.

—Nicole Saunders

2

: a pen with a broad felt tip and brightly colored transparent ink for marking selected passages in a text

At least 100 publications, from newspapers to scientific journals, come into the building daily, and the editors' scissors and highlighters are never idle.

—Keith Henderson

Examples of highlighter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This superstar stick also comes in three other shades to match your skin tone as well as a variety of blushes and highlighters to complete your look. —Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 10 May 2024

For her base, makeup artist Etienne Ortega used Charlotte Tilbury skincare and makeup, including the brand’s Beautiful Skin Foundation and Beauty Light Want highlighter in Spotlight. —Anna Tingley, Variety, 7 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

highlighter

noun

high·​light·​er

: a pen with a broad felt tip and brightly colored transparent ink for marking selected passages in a text