WordGarden.iowatermark
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈɔːtəmˌɑːk/
US
- /ˈwɔtərˌmɑrk/
Meanings
Noun
a faint text, logo, or graphic added to an image, video, or document to show ownership, source, or status
a faint design built into paper and visible when held to the light, used to show origin or authenticity
Verb
to add a watermark to an image, video, document, or other content
Beyond the definition
A watermark is like a quiet signature. In the past, it was a faint design made inside paper as the paper was being produced. Now it is also often added to digital images, videos, or documents. It helps show where something came from, who owns it, or whether it is real. You can see one in a banknote when you hold it up to the light, or across an online photo to make copying less attractive. It says, "This came from here," without being too loud.
Originally, a watermark was an image or pattern created during the papermaking process itself—a variation in the paper's thickness that became visible when held up to light. These weren't just decorative; they were often symbols identifying the paper mill or the person who commissioned the work. Imagine vintage letters with crests subtly visible within the paper fibers, proving their origin and quality.
Today, "watermark" has expanded beyond physical paper. It now commonly refers to a semi-transparent image or text overlaid on digital content like photos, videos, or documents. These digital watermarks serve several purposes: protecting copyright (discouraging unauthorized use), identifying the source of the content (like a photographer's logo on their images), or simply branding.
You might see a watermark on stock photos you find online—indicating they require a license for use. Or a company might watermark confidential documents to deter leaks. Sometimes watermarks are subtle and unobtrusive, while others are more prominent as a clear deterrent.
The core idea remains the same: a watermark is an identifying mark that subtly asserts ownership or authenticity. Whether woven into paper fibers centuries ago or digitally layered onto pixels today, it's a quiet claim of origin and control.
Examples
- 1
Digital photos
The free version saves your photos with a watermark in the corner.
- 2
Image editing
Please watermark the images before you upload them to the website.
- 3
Document security
A large "CONFIDENTIAL" watermark ran across every page of the report.
- 4
Banknotes
If you hold the banknote up to the light, you can see the watermark.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- unmarked copy
- plain paper
Used with (collocations)
- digital watermark
- visible watermark
- invisible watermark
- remove a watermark
Word family
Explore
- security feature
- brand mark
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- watermarknounverb
Forms
- watermarkspluralnounverb
- watermarkedpast tenseverbnoun
- watermarking-ing formverbnoun