English Reference
noun · verb

marker

n. · v.
US /ˈmɑɹkɝ/ UK /mˈɑːkɐ/ mark·er UK spelling markers

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    n.a thick pen with a tip made of felt, used for writing or drawing.

    n.a felt-tipped drawing or writing instrument, typically containing its own ink source.

    Simple

    He used a red marker to circle the mistakes on the poster.

    In context

    The architect used permanent markers to create a bold outline on the presentation board before adding finer details with a technical pen.

    felt tiphighlighter
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.an object or sign that shows the position of something or acts as a signal.

    n.an object, sign, or characteristic that serves to identify a position, boundary, or specific quality.

    Simple

    The hikers left a pile of stones as a marker for the trail.

    In context

    The sudden drop in temperature served as a biological marker for the changing seasons, prompting the local wildlife to begin their migration.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    n.a person who reads and gives points to exam papers or essays.

    n.an individual responsible for assessing and assigning grades to examination scripts or academic assignments.

    Simple

    The exam marker was very strict and didn't give many high scores.

    In context

    The external marker noted that while the students demonstrated strong theoretical knowledge, their practical application of the concepts remained inconsistent.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced InformalSlang

    n.a favor that you owe someone, or that someone owes you.

    n.a figurative or literal debt of honor or a personal favor owed to another party.

    Simple

    I helped him get that job, so I'm calling in a marker now.

    In context

    The senator decided to call in a few markers from his colleagues to ensure the controversial bill passed the committee stage.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    n.a player whose job is to stay close to an opponent to stop them from playing well.

    n.a defensive player assigned to guard or track a specific offensive opponent.

    Simple

    The striker managed to get away from his marker and score a goal.

    In context

    The coach instructed the wing-back to act as a tight marker, ensuring the opponent's star playmaker had no space to operate.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to write or draw on something using a marker pen.

    v.to apply ink to a surface using a felt-tipped instrument.

    Simple

    Please marker your name on the box so we don't lose it.

    In context

    The warehouse staff were instructed to marker each crate with a unique identification number before loading them onto the freight ship.

If they pick up the chemical markers of a meal, these units oscillate faster, in turn causing the cell’s protoplasm to flow more thickly towards that area.

The Guardian· 8 Sept 2026

Valk therefore investigated whether oysters at different sexual stages have different chemical markers on their DNA.

Phys.org· 26 Aug 2026

From mark + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated