# toner

/ˈtoʊnɝ/ (US) · /tˈəʊnɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/toner
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

a special liquid for cleaning your skin or a powder used in printers to make images and text.

For teachers: a cosmetic liquid applied to the skin to reduce oiliness or tighten pores; alternatively, a powdered pigment used in laser printers and photocopiers.

## Examples

- I need to buy more black toner for the office printer.
- After washing her face, she applies a gentle toner to remove any remaining dirt and balance her skin.
- The technician explained that the streaking on the printed documents was caused by a leaking toner cartridge rather than a mechanical failure in the drum unit.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the substance; countable when referring to a specific container or skin-care product type.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.