plural highlights
1
a
: something (such as an event or detail) that is of major significance or special interest
Visiting the Alps was a highlight of their trip to Europe.
b
: a summary of the most significant or interesting parts of something (such as a completed sporting event) presented typically on a television broadcast
—usually plural
watched highlights of the night's games
2
: a spot or area that is lighter than surrounding spots or areas: such as
a
: the lightest part or one of the lightest parts of a painting, drawing, etc.
especially
: one that depicts the areas of the subject receiving the greatest amount of illumination
added highlights to the painting
used white pencil for the highlights and charcoal for the shadows
b
: a lighter area of the hair
specifically
: such an area created artificially (as through the application of chemical substances)
—usually plural
brown hair with blond highlights
highlighted; highlighting; highlights
1
: to throw a strong light on
The moon highlighted the tree tops.
Outdoor lighting is an important part of any garden design, providing ambiance and highlighting key features like plants, water features, and walkways.—
East End Taste Magazine (online)
East End Taste Magazine (online)2
b
: to constitute a significant or especially interesting part of : to constitute a highlight of
His trip to Italy was highlighted by a visit to the Colosseum.
The defending champion Bulldogs won three events, highlighted by Kowal's record in the 100-meter breaststroke …—Harvey Araton
Harvey Araton3
a
: to mark (text) with or as if with a highlighter (see highlighter sense 2)
Encourage them to keep a journal and to highlight important entries.—Jessica Schrader
Jessica SchraderWhenever this pattern reversed itself, the numbers in Table 2 were highlighted in bold print.—LuAnn Soliah et al.
LuAnn Soliah et al.
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
By clicking on highlighted words, called hot links, you're instantly taken to other Internet sites that offer additional or related information.—Victoria Von Biel
Victoria Von Biel4
: to add highlights (see highlight entry 1 sense 2b) to (hair)
Jonathan, old enough now that he no longer lets his mom highlight his thick brown hair, plays guitar and likes to shoot hoops with his dad …—Patrick Rogers, et al.
Patrick Rogers, et al.To add drama to her already highlighted hair, Beyoncé has fine, platinum highlights temporarily bonded to the strands around her face.—Barb Sgroi
Barb SgroiSynonyms
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.
Recent Examples on the Web
Clio Chang, Curbed, 12 Nov. 2024
Below are some highlights of what's new since my last review, including the GenAI Studio interface section, which collects the program's assortment of AI tools.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Bruce Gil, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
His experience highlighted the critical role of leadership and HR in the success of a large-scale franchise.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for highlight 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The eat-in kitchen with wood cabinetry is a highlight.
—Clio Chang, Curbed, 12 Nov. 2024
Below are some highlights of what's new since my last review, including the GenAI Studio interface section, which collects the program's assortment of AI tools.
—PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
Similarly, Paramount Global — the parent company of CBS, MTV, and Nickelodeon — also highlighted the growth of its FAST service Pluto TV to investors this month.
—Bruce Gil, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024
His experience highlighted the critical role of leadership and HR in the success of a large-scale franchise.
—Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for highlight
Dictionary Entries Near highlight
Cite this Entry
“Highlight.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/highlight. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
highlight
1 of 2 noun
high·light
ˈhī-ˌlīt 
1
: the brightest spot or area (as in a painting or drawing)
2
: something (as an event or detail) that is of major interest
highlight
2 of 2 verb
highlighted; highlighting
1
: to throw a strong light on
2
a
: to center attention on : emphasize
b
: to be a highlight of
3
a
: to mark (text) with a highlighter pen
b
: to cause (as text) to stand out on a computer screen
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