indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce indicator (audio)
Synonyms of indicator
1
: one that indicates: such as
a
: an index hand (as on a dial) : pointer
b(1)
: gauge sense 2b, dial sense 1a
(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 How to pronounce indicator (audio)
adjective

Synonyms of indicator

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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.
Lula can point to low unemployment and easing inflation, but those indicators have not changed perceptions for households struggling with everyday prices. — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 The institute created the survey as a way to measure quality of life that population growth, income and other traditional economic indicators may miss. — Charlotte Observer, 24 Oct. 2026 Europe is the leading indicator for what happens to an economy that misses a general purpose technology transition. — Stephen Messer, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Tesla has also shown a thruster pressure gauge reading 5,500 PSI, alongside a boost-readiness indicator. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing indicator

Rhymes for indicator

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Browse Nearby Words

indicative
indicator
indicator card
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Cite this Entry

“Indicator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicator. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
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 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about indicator

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