Marker
'mɑːrkər
Definitions
3 meaningsAn implement used for making a mark on a surface, such as a pen, felt-tip pen, or crayon.
'mɑːrkər
A tool for making a mark
I used a marker to underline the important parts of the text.
💡 Simply: A marker is like a colorful pen that you can use to draw or write on paper or other surfaces. You can use them to make notes, create art, or just doodle!
👶 For kids: A marker is like a special crayon that can make colors on paper or whiteboards.
More Examples
The art student used a variety of markers to create his drawing.
Please return the dry-erase markers to the correct container.
How It's Used
"She used a red marker to highlight important points in the document."
"The teacher asked the students to use dry-erase markers on the whiteboards."
Something that indicates position, progress, or a boundary.
'mɑːrkər
A sign or indicator
The milestone served as a marker of their progress.
💡 Simply: A marker can be something that shows where you are or where something is supposed to be. Think of the lines on a sports field or a signpost showing the way.
👶 For kids: A marker can be like a special spot that shows you where to go or what to do.
More Examples
The GPS uses satellites to identify your location markers.
We'll place a marker on the map to indicate our destination.
How It's Used
"The buoy served as a marker for the safe channel."
"The cones are used as markers for the running track."
A person who is assigned to guard or stay close to another person, especially in sports.
'mɑːrkər
A person who marks (someone or something)
The defender, a skilled marker, consistently prevented the forward from getting a clear shot.
💡 Simply: In sports like soccer or basketball, the *marker* is the person assigned to defend and stay near another player.
👶 For kids: A marker is someone who keeps an eye on a person in a game, like guarding them.
More Examples
The coach emphasized the importance of the team's markers staying close to their assignments.
The player excelled as a marker due to his agility and defensive strategies.
How It's Used
"The defender was a good marker, staying close to the opposing player."
Idioms & expressions
set a marker
To establish a benchmark or point of reference.
"The company set a marker by achieving record sales this quarter."
From 'mark' + '-er'. 'Mark' comes from Old English 'mearc', related to words for 'boundary' or 'sign'. The '-er' suffix indicates an agent or instrument.
The term 'marker' has been in use since the 16th century, evolving from the verb 'mark' to denote both the instrument and the result of making a mark.
Memory tip
Think of a pen that *marks* the page.
Word Origin
"'mearc' - boundary, sign"