I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: high (I) + light
1.
a. : the lightest spot or area (as in a painting or engraving) : a spot or any of several spots in a modeled drawing or painting that receives the greatest amount of illumination
b. : a bright part of a photographic picture or subject represented by a considerable density in the negative and by nearly clear paper or other support in the print
2. : an event, detail, topic, or accomplishment of major significance or special interest
one of the highlights of the fashionable London season — Emily Hahn
more analysis will be written … later but here are some highlights — Kiplinger Washington Letter
these are only highlights: he also wrote … several volumes of verse, numerous short stories — E.P.Earnest
II. transitive verb
1. : to illuminate with vivid distinctness : throw a strong light upon
designed for general store lighting and to highlight featured merchandise — Electrical World
matches flared, momentarily highlighting the faces — National Geographic
2. : to paint out the highlight areas of (a halftone negative) ; also : to etch away the light dots in the corresponding areas of (a printing plate) — compare drop out
3.
a. : to center attention upon : cause to loom large in importance or urgency : emphasize , stress
these publications … highlighted the deficiencies of the current freshman program — T.F.Dunn
highlight a major factor in the Hemisphere's aid program — Atlantic
b. : to constitute a highlight or distinctive feature of
the slang that highlights his dialogue — Bennett Cerf
three new talents … highlighted the year — Britannica Book of the Year
III. transitive verb
: to select or cause (as text or an icon) to be displayed in a way that stands out (as by being of a different color) from other objects on a computer screen especially prior to editing, movement, or deletion