pointer

noun

point·​er ˈpȯin-tər 

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 1b)

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

Synonyms of pointer

• needle
• indicator
• index

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

Both teams shot 57% and both had 11 3-pointers and went 11 of 15 from the foul line. — ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026

Out in the clean air, this pointer swung away from the compass to aim at the plume’s edge, several seconds before the fly physically turned to head back. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 1 Aug. 2026

Stewart drilled a 3-pointer through contact to secure a 50-32 win, further cementing his team’s place atop the league. — Ava Dicecca, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026

Additionally, Chrome, primarily built on C++, often faces dangling memory pointers due to its complex, multi-process design and dynamic memory sharing, increasing the potential for such vulnerabilities. — Davey Winder, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing pointer

• German shorthaired pointer
• German wirehaired pointer
• hip pointer
• three-pointer

Rhymes for pointer

• jointer

Kids Definition

pointer

noun

point·​er ˈpȯint-ər 

1

: one that points

especially : a rod used to direct attention

2

: a large dog with long ears and short hair that hunts by scent, and points game

3

: a useful hint : tip

pointers on how to study

Medical Definition

pointer

see hip pointer