indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce indicator (audio)
1
: one that indicates: such as
a
: an index hand (as on a dial) : pointer
(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)
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 adjective

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Those include the National Retail Federation’s more real-time indicator showing that retail sales went negative on a month-over-month basis in January and February. Michael Foster, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 And since turkey hunters like to chase dominant birds, the snood may actually be a better indicator of that than spurs or beard length. Alice Jones Webb, Outdoor Life, 21 Mar. 2025 Broad, flawed indicators like tattoos, clothing, neighborhood affiliations, and even social media photos are often used as evidence—regardless of whether the individual has committed any crime. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025 Chris Van Gorder, Scripps Health YES: No single indicator will tell all or be perfect, but the consumer sentiment indicator — like many others when considered together — is helpful in putting together a bigger overall picture. Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indicator

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indicator was in 1666

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indicator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicator. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

indicator

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər How to pronounce indicator (audio)
1
: one that indicates: as
a
: a pointer on a dial or scale
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 How to pronounce indicator (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on indicator

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