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

Additionally, leaders should look for traits such as initiative, adaptability and a willingness to learn, which are indicators of future success. —Nilesh Parmar, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024

Moreover, a shocking number of indicators suggest life in California has grown considerably harder for the Latino working class since the mid-1990s even as Latino representation has proliferated at every level of government. —Mike Madrid, The Mercury News, 20 Dec. 2024

These double-layer metal jump clamps have indicator lights that provide real-time status updates and error alerts. —Kyle J. Russell, Detroit Free Press, 20 Dec. 2024

Overall, indicators show that the economy is growing at a solid pace, while the unemployment rate remains historically low. —Max Zahn, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2024

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