indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər 

1

: one that indicates: such as

a

: an index hand (as on a dial) : pointer

b(1)

: gauge sense 2b, dial sense 4a

(2)

: an instrument for automatically making a diagram that indicates the pressure in and volume of the working fluid of an engine throughout the cycle

2

: any of a group of statistical values (such as level of employment) that taken together give an indication of the health of the economy

3

a

: a substance (such as litmus) used to show visually (as by change of color) the condition of a solution with respect to the presence of a particular material (such as a free acid or alkali)

b

: tracer sense 4b

4

: an organism or ecological community so strictly associated with particular environmental conditions that its presence is indicative of the existence of these conditions

indicatory

in-ˈdi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms

• hand
• index
• needle
• pointer

Examples of indicator in a Sentence

Economic indicators suggest that prices will go up.

a control panel with various indicator lights

Recent Examples on the Web

The circular loading indicator kept spinning, which felt a little overwhelming. —Robert Anderson, PCMAG, 22 Jan. 2025

The watches feature three sub-dials with a permanent seconds indicator at 12 o'clock, 1/10th second chronograph counter and hour chronograph counter at 6 o'clock, and minute chronograph counter at 9 o'clock. —Bhanu Chopra, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

The two data indicators together give the Bank of England’s rate-setters a mixed picture of the state of the economy. —Ganesh Rao,chloe Taylor,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 21 Jan. 2025

On the other hand, his youth, steal rate and 2-point shooting (56.4 percent) all are plus indicators historically. —John Hollinger, The Athletic, 21 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing indicator

• plan position indicator

Kids Definition

indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər 

1

: one that indicates: as

a

: a pointer on a dial or scale

b

: gauge entry 1 sense 2a

2

: a substance used to show visually (as by change of color) the presence of acid or base in a solution

Medical Definition

indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər 

: a substance (as a dye) used to show visually (as by a change in color) the condition of a solution with respect to the presence of a particular material (as a free acid or alkali)

litmus and phenolphthalein are acid-base indicators