What does highlight mean?
Highlight is a versatile word for making something noticeable, especially by drawing attention to its importance. As a verb, it means to emphasize a person, issue, feature, or result, as in “highlight the need for reform.” In written or digital media, it can also mean to mark a word or passage with color, bold type, or a contrasting background. As a noun, a highlight is the most interesting, attractive, or memorable part of an event, performance, tour, or collection; the plural “highlights” often refers to a selection of notable moments or passages. The word is neutral and common in British and American English and is especially frequent in journalism, presentations, education, sport, and software interfaces. It is useful because it describes both the act of directing attention and the feature that receives such attention. Although “highlight” can sound positive, it need not be: one may highlight an error, danger, or criticism. Related terms such as “emphatic” and “accentuate” focus on intensity, while “highlight” more often stresses making something stand out.
An especially interesting, attractive, or memorable feature of an event, performance, or collection; in the plural, a selection of notable moments or passages.
"Her performance was unquestionably the highlight of the evening."
The singular usually names one standout feature, whereas “highlights” commonly denotes a collection of notable moments or selected excerpts.
To draw attention to something or emphasize its importance; in text or digital media, also to mark it with color, bold type, or another contrasting treatment.
"The speaker highlighted the importance of protecting the wetland."
This verb is usually transitive and is equally common in spoken and written English.
The plural commonly refers to notable moments, events, passages, or excerpts selected from a larger event or body of material.
"The recording captures some of the concert's most memorable highlights."
Highlight began with the literal idea of lighting something, then became a metaphor for directing attention to what matters most.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does highlight come from?
Highlight is an English compound formed from high and light. It was initially used in the mid-19th century for lighting up or illuminating something, and its figurative sense of directing special attention developed soon afterward. The noun subsequently came to denote something especially notable. Its components are separate English words with different Indo-European origins, so common words containing light are related by composition rather than strict cognacy.
Related word forms
How highlight is actually used
The verb normally takes a direct object and is common in formal and informal contexts. As a noun, “a/the highlight” denotes a standout feature, while “highlights” commonly refers to selected notable moments or excerpts. The word can be neutral or positive, but it may also emphasize something unwelcome, such as an error, risk, or criticism.
Easily confused with highlight
A highlight is an act, feature, or marked passage, whereas a highlighter is a marker pen, a cosmetic product, or a person who highlights text.