descriptor

noun

de·​scrip·​tor di-ˈskrip-tər How to pronounce descriptor (audio)
: something (such as a word or characteristic feature) that serves to describe or identify
especially : a word or phrase (such as an index term) used to identify an item (such as a subject or document) in an information retrieval system

Examples of descriptor in a Sentence

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.
Relatable is not a descriptor typically applied to Gwyneth Paltrow, but her latest Instagram seems to be striking that chord among her followers. Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 18 Sep. 2025 Our team then assigned a gender to these individuals based on pronouns and other descriptors the interviewees used. Remy Dou, The Conversation, 16 Sep. 2025 Technicians who used warm and positive tones and descriptor words encouraged similar emotions in parents, which carried through pregnancy and into early parenthood. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Sep. 2025 The suffix -y here is the same as in words like doggy or smarty, used to form nicknames or informal descriptors. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for descriptor

Word History

Etymology

see describe

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of descriptor was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Descriptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/descriptor. Accessed 29 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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