1
a
Pointers plural
: the two stars in the Big Dipper a line through which points to the North Star
b
: one that points out
especially
: a rod used to direct attention
c
: a computer memory address that contains another address (as of desired data)
2
: any of various large, strong, slender gundogs that hunt by scent and indicate the presence of game by pointing (see point entry 2 sense 4b)
specifically
: any of an English breed of agile, muscular dogs having a short, smooth coat that is usually white with patches of liver, pale yellow, black, or orange and a moderately long tapered tail see also german shorthaired pointer, german wirehaired pointer
3
: one that furnishes with points
4
: a useful suggestion or hint : tip
Examples of pointer in a Sentence
Let me give you a few pointers on managing a successful business.
The latest data gives a pointer to the economy's overall growth.
This may be a pointer to a very serious problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite their popularity, laser pointers are generally not recommended — for cats, a laser is uncatchable prey and a source of frustration.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Gonzaga did have a shot to tie on its final possession, but Khalif Battle fumbled a handoff and had his desperation 3-pointer blocked by Ja’Vier Francis.
—Cj Moore, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Ball tied it with his second 3-pointer on nine attempts, but Clayton made another difficult shot and the Gators held off McNeeley’s late push from the free throw stripe.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2025
The Huskies maintained their lead through the first 17 minutes of the second half, until Clayton’s tough 3-pointer and a transition dunk from Will Richard (15 points) gave the Gators a 64-61 lead with two and a half minutes to go.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pointer
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.
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Apr. 2025
Gonzaga did have a shot to tie on its final possession, but Khalif Battle fumbled a handoff and had his desperation 3-pointer blocked by Ja’Vier Francis.
—Cj Moore, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Ball tied it with his second 3-pointer on nine attempts, but Clayton made another difficult shot and the Gators held off McNeeley’s late push from the free throw stripe.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2025
The Huskies maintained their lead through the first 17 minutes of the second half, until Clayton’s tough 3-pointer and a transition dunk from Will Richard (15 points) gave the Gators a 64-61 lead with two and a half minutes to go.
—Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 23 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for pointer
Cite this Entry
“Pointer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointer. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share