Is 'highlighter' a verb?

No, 'highlighter' is a noun. The verb form is 'to highlight'. Example: 'Please highlight the main points.' NOT 'Please highlighter the main points.'

What's the difference between a highlighter and a marker pen?

A highlighter uses transparent, fluorescent ink designed to be drawn over text without obscuring it. A standard marker pen uses opaque ink for writing or drawing on surfaces.

Can 'highlighter' refer to a person?

It is very rare. In specific contexts like sports commentary, someone who 'highlights' an event (a 'highlight reel creator') could be called a highlighter, but this is not common. The primary meanings are the pen and the cosmetic.

Is there a difference between UK and US spelling of 'highlighter'?

No, the spelling is identical in both British and American English: 'highlighter'.

How do you pronounce “highlighter”?

Highlighter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

highlighter: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.tər/US/ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.t̬ɚ/

Neutral - used in both formal and informal contexts, with predominant use in educational, office, and everyday settings.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “highlighter” mean?

A special felt-tip pen used to mark text with a bright, transparent colour, emphasising key information.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A special felt-tip pen used to mark text with a bright, transparent colour, emphasising key information.

A person or thing that highlights or emphasizes something; a cosmetic product used to accentuate facial features with a luminous sheen.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant difference in core meaning or usage for the pen or cosmetic. Spelling is consistent. The word is equally common in both varieties.

Connotations

Identical connotations of study aids, organisation, and revision in the stationery sense. The cosmetic sense carries the same connotations of accentuating features.

Frequency

Equally high frequency in both dialects due to universal use in education and office work.

Grammar

How to Use “highlighter” in a Sentence

Use [highlighter] to mark [text].[Subject] highlighted [text] with a [highlighter].Do you have a [highlighter] I could borrow?

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

yellow highlighterfluorescent highlighteruse a highlightermark with a highlighter

medium

pink highlightergreen highlighterrun out of highlightergrab a highlighter

weak

digital highlighterexpensive highlightersmudged highlighterbrand of highlighter

Examples

Examples of “highlighter” in a Sentence

verb

British English

N/A - 'highlighter' is not a verb. The verb is 'to highlight'.

American English

N/A - 'highlighter' is not a verb. The verb is 'to highlight'.

adverb

British English

N/A - No adverbial form.

American English

N/A - No adverbial form.

adjective

British English

N/A - 'highlighter' is not typically used as an adjective. The adjectival form is 'highlighted' or 'highlighting'.

American English

N/A - 'highlighter' is not typically used as an adjective. The adjectival form is 'highlighted' or 'highlighting'.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Used to mark key points in reports, contracts, or presentations during review.

Academic

Essential study tool for students to annotate textbooks, articles, and notes.

Everyday

Common item in pencil cases, desks, and handbags for general note-taking and list-making.

Technical

In computing, can refer to a software tool for selecting or emphasising on-screen text.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “highlighter”

Strong

fluorescent penoverliner

Neutral

marker pentext marker

Weak

emphasis toolstudy aid

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “highlighter”

eraserconcealer (in cosmetic context)

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “highlighter”

Misspelling as 'highliter' or 'highlighter'.
Using it as a verb (the verb is 'to highlight'). Example of mistake: 'I will highlighter the main points.'

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, 'highlighter' is a noun. The verb form is 'to highlight'. Example: 'Please highlight the main points.' NOT 'Please highlighter the main points.'
: A highlighter uses transparent, fluorescent ink designed to be drawn over text without obscuring it. A standard marker pen uses opaque ink for writing or drawing on surfaces.
: It is very rare. In specific contexts like sports commentary, someone who 'highlights' an event (a 'highlight reel creator') could be called a highlighter, but this is not common. The primary meanings are the pen and the cosmetic.
: No, the spelling is identical in both British and American English: 'highlighter'.
: A special felt-tip pen used to mark text with a bright, transparent colour, emphasising key information.
: Highlighter is usually neutral - used in both formal and informal contexts, with predominant use in educational, office, and everyday settings. in register.
: Highlighter: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.tər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪˌlaɪ.t̬ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“None directly; the word itself is literal.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: A HIGHlighter helps important information STAND HIGH and be seen. HIGH + LIGHT + ER = a tool that puts a high, light colour on text.

Conceptual Metaphor

ATTENTION IS LIGHT / IMPORTANCE IS VISIBILITY (The bright colour 'shines a light' on important text, making it more 'visible' conceptually).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Before the exam, she used a fluorescent to mark all the key definitions in her textbook.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'highlighter' LEAST likely to be used?