1 highlight | Definition of highlight

highlight

noun
high·​light | \ ˈhÄ«-ËŒlÄ«t How to pronounce highlight (audio) \

Definition of highlight

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the lightest spot or area (as in a painting) added highlights to the painting has light brown hair with blond highlights : any of several spots in a drawing or painting that receives the greatest amount of illumination
2 : something (such as an event or detail) that is of major significance or special interest talked about the highlights of his trip to Europe

highlight

verb
highlighted; highlighting

Definition of highlight (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to throw a strong light on highlighting featured merchandise on the shelves
2a : to center attention on : emphasize, stress The speech will highlight the need for education reform.
b : to constitute a significant or especially interesting part of : to constitute a highlight of His trip to Europe was highlighted by a visit to Vatican City.
3a : to mark (text) with a highlighter
b : to cause (something, such as text or an icon) to be displayed in a way that stands out on an electronic screen (as of a computer or smartphone) highlighted the sentence and deleted it

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Examples of highlight in a Sentence

Noun

I missed the game, but I saw the highlights on the evening news.

Verb

Unfortunately, the media insisted upon highlighting his troubled past. Our trip was highlighted by a great jazz concert we attended. The students highlighted important vocabulary words in their textbooks. Important names and dates in each chapter are highlighted.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Giannis mean mug gnome is one of the highlights of the Bucks' 14-game giveaway schedule, which was announced Thursday. Mike Hart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Milwaukee Bucks' giveaway schedule features great Giannis stuff," 5 Sep. 2019 Day singled out safety Josh Proctor, whose diving interception was one of the highlights of the second half, as one of the exceptions to that criticism. Nathan Baird, cleveland.com, "Ohio State football coach Ryan Day wants more from Buckeyes’ depth," 5 Sep. 2019 To be fair though, some of those highlights are pretty high. Los Angeles Times, "Review: Danny Huston’s ‘The Last Photograph’; plus ‘Boy Genius,’ ‘The Whistler’ and more," 5 Sep. 2019 Not to be missed, the exceptional kitchen is one of the highlights of this incredible home. Amanda Molitor, The Denver Post, "Elegant home on south side of Denver Country Club golf course listed by LIV Sotheby’s International Realty," 5 Sep. 2019 One of the highlights of this past weekend was Cesaro’s outstanding performance against Ilja Dragunov at the NXT UK TakeOver: Cardiff show. Justin Barrasso, SI.com, "The Week in Wrestling: Why Kevin Owens Thinks Juice Robinson Is the Best on the Mic," 4 Sep. 2019 But watching Alan Ruck's sweet and sensitive character come into his own is one of the highlights of this John Hughes classic. Tierney Mcafee, Country Living, "The Best 'Ferris Bueller' Costume Ideas to Channel Your Inner Teenager This Halloween," 3 Sep. 2019 Among the highlights will be Celtic music, a car show, Highland games, dancing, sheepdog herding, food, a beer garden and more. Phil Marty, chicagotribune.com, "Take your pick of fall festivals, plus other seasonal events across the Midwest," 3 Sep. 2019 Getting to share the screen with Valerie Harper on #2BrokeGirls was one of the highlights of my career so far. Sharareh Drury, The Hollywood Reporter, "Hollywood Pays Tribute to Valerie Harper," 31 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Many of Samantha’s social media posts highlight her family life, her clothing line and, nowadays, Racing Wives. Michelle R. Martinelli, For The Win, "Samantha Busch continues bravely opening up about infertility on 'Racing Wives' Episode 4," 24 Aug. 2019 Each hide requires individual inspection from a worker to highlight both defects and uniquely high-quality areas. Tim Newcomb, Popular Mechanics, "Everything That Goes Into Making a New Balance Sneaker," 23 Aug. 2019 However, a three-minute sequence changed the outcome for the Spartans, highlighted by a fumble that led to a 63-yard touchdown pass, long with a crucial sack in the waning moments. La Cañada Valley Sun, "La Cañada rallies to nonleague victory over Hacienda Heights Wilson in season opener," 22 Aug. 2019 But the achievement also highlights the importance of a feature of the ripples that researchers hadn’t really considered: their length. Quanta Magazine, "In Brain’s Electrical Ripples, Markers for Memories Appear," 6 Aug. 2019 Then, finish the look off by highlighting just below the brow bone with a light shimmer shade. Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "10 Tips For Mastering Hooded Eye Makeup," 31 July 2019 For Burna, a rapidly expanding platform in the United States and Europe has meant not just commercial success but also an opportunity to highlight the connective tissue that spans varying genres of black music. Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "The Musician Pushing the Boundaries of African Pop," 26 July 2019 There are no less than 255 highlighting products on Sephora’s site, including options from Marc Jacobs, Nars, Dior, Benefit, and Fenty Beauty by Rihanna. Sarah Todd, Quartzy, "Why getting dewy skin became a global obsession," 24 July 2019 The salt actually highlights the tomatoes’ sweetness by acting as a foil. Emma Wartzman, Bon Appétit, "This Trick Makes Tomatoes Even More Tomato-y," 24 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'highlight.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of highlight

Noun

1658, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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More Definitions for highlight

highlight

noun

English Language Learners Definition of highlight

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: something (such as an event or a detail) that is very interesting, exciting, or important : the best part of something
: a light spot or area

highlight

verb

English Language Learners Definition of highlight (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make or try to make people notice or be aware of (someone or something) : to direct attention to (someone or something)
: to be a very interesting, exciting, or important part of (something)
: to mark (something, such as text) with a bright color

highlight

noun
high·​light | \ ˈhÄ«-ËŒlÄ«t How to pronounce highlight (audio) \

Kids Definition of highlight

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: a very interesting event or detail He mentioned the highlights of his trip.