1. faint designs or marks visible in paper when held up to light, used to identify the manufacturer or prevent counterfeiting
2. translucent logos or text overlaid on digital images or documents to indicate ownership or prevent unauthorized use
Usage: digital media
3. marks showing the highest level reached by water, especially during floods

Examples

• The counterfeit bills were detected because they lacked proper watermarks.
• You can see the watermarks in this expensive stationery when you hold it to the light.
• The photographer added watermarks to her online portfolio to protect her work.
• Stock photo websites display images with watermarks until purchase.
• The watermarks on the building showed how high the floodwater had risen.
• Historical watermarks help scientists study past flood patterns.
• The museum’s rare manuscripts contain unique watermarks from centuries ago.