Highlighter: Definition, Uses, and Examples

Meaning 1：highlighting marker (Highlighter)

Highlighter 🔊

/ˈhaɪˌlaɪtər/

A pen with bright ink used to mark important parts in books or papers for better focus.

Student using yellow highlighter on textbook page

highlighting marker 🔊

➕

/ˈhaɪlaɪtɪŋ ˈmɑːrkər/

A pen with translucent fluorescent ink used to mark and emphasize text in books or documents.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'high' + 'light' + '-er', meaning 'something that brings light to attention'.

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'high' (intense) 'lighter' (illuminator) that brightens key information.

📖 Example

When reviewing for exams, I always grab a yellow highlighter to underline the main points in my notes. 🔊 When reviewing for exams, I always grab a yellow highlighter to underline the main points in my notes.

🔗 Collocations

yellow highlighter – a highlighter of yellow color

highlighter pen – a pen designed as a highlighter

use a highlighter – to utilize a highlighter for marking

🔄 Synonyms

marker (n.) – a pen with a broad tip used for writing or drawing

felt-tip pen (n.) – a pen with a tip made of felt

highlighter pen (n.) – a type of marker specifically for highlighting

🌱 Derivatives

highlight (v.) – to emphasize or mark as important

highlighted (adj.) – marked or emphasized

highlighting (n./adj.) – the act of marking or emphasizing; serving to mark

📖 Cultural Story

The highlighter pen was introduced in the 1960s, using transparent fluorescent ink to emphasize text. It quickly became a staple in education and business.