WordGarden.iotoner
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /tˈəʊnə/
US
- /ˈtoʊnər/
Meanings
Noun
a liquid skin-care product applied after washing to freshen or balance the skin
the powder or cartridge material used in a laser printer or copier to produce text and images
Beyond the definition
Toner has a few different lives! Many people know it as the liquid you put on your face after washing to remove any leftover dirt or makeup and get the skin ready for the next product. But it is not just for skincare; it is also the fine powder used in laser printers and photocopiers. That powder is what helps create sharp text and images on paper. In the beauty world, it can also mean a hair treatment used to soften yellow or orange shades after bleaching. Sometimes, the word also refers to a device or exercise routine meant to help firm muscles. Context is key!
The word "toner" is used in several areas, especially beauty, printing, and fitness. The meaning changes with the context, but it usually refers to something that helps adjust, refine, or improve the result.
In skincare, toner is a liquid put on the skin after cleansing. It can help remove any leftover oil, dirt, or makeup and prepare the skin for serums or moisturizers. Some toners are made to hydrate the skin, while others gently exfoliate or help reduce the look of pores. Not every toner does the same job, so the exact effect depends on the formula.
However, many people also know toner from printing. In laser printers and photocopiers, it is a fine, dry powder rather than liquid ink. The machine places it on the paper and uses heat to fix it there. This is what gives printed pages their sharp, clean look.
In the hair salon, "toner" is a treatment used after hair has been lightened. It adjusts the shade and helps cancel out unwanted yellow, orange, or brassy tones. This helps the final hair color look cooler, softer, or more natural, depending on the goal.
Finally, "toner" can appear in fitness language. It may refer to a piece of exercise equipment, such as a device meant to work certain muscles, or to something sold as helping the body look firmer or more defined. This use is less exact than the beauty and printing meanings, but it still appears in everyday language.
So, whether you are talking about skincare, office supplies, hair color, or exercise gear, "toner" is a word with several common meanings. The setting tells you which one is intended.
Examples
- 1
Printer supply
The printer won’t print because it’s out of toner.
- 2
Office printing
I ordered two new toner cartridges for the office.
- Phrasetoner cartridge
the part of a printer that holds toner
- 3
Skincare routine
After washing her face, she puts on toner before her moisturizer.
- 4
Sensitive skin
This toner is gentle enough for sensitive skin.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Hair color
My hair looked too yellow, so the stylist used a toner to cool the color down.
See also
Contrast
Do not confuse
- skin toner
Used with (collocations)
- toner cartridge
- replace the toner
- low toner
- toner powder
Explore
- laser printer
- xerography
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- tonernoun
Forms
- tonerspluralnoun