rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymarkingVisible sign or pattern
noun

marking

MAR-king/ˈmɑːrkɪŋ/

A visible sign or pattern that identifies or distinguishes something.

An upward-arrow marking identifies the crate's correct orientation.

A close view of a plain wooden shipping crate with a bold black upward-arrow marking stenciled directly onto its front surface.
Etymology
markOld Englishto make marks
+ingOld Englishaction or result

The noun names not just the action of making marks but also its visible result. That action-to-result connection was already present in Old English, where the word could mean a mark or pattern of marks.

In context

Kyle Walker0:38
… noise strips are appearing on domestic roads. This is a special type of marking made by a special technology …
Understanding Noise Strips: Why They're Essential for Safer Roads

More examples

  • White markings on the pavement separate the parking spaces.
  • We recognize our dog by the markings on her face.
  • Each cable has a colored marking that identifies its purpose.

Forms

marking · markings

mark verb — To leave a visible sign on something.

Similar words

mark
Mark can be any visible trace, whether identifying or not.
pattern
Pattern emphasizes an arrangement of shapes rather than one identifying sign.