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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.
And while the car on offer has a top speed closer to 214 mph, the rest of that descriptor remains spot on. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 17 Nov. 2025 The Ratings Board watches every movie in its entirety and assigns it a rating and descriptor that aligns with the views of the majority of American parents. Todd Spangler, Variety, 5 Nov. 2025 Kayla have gone through, heartbreaking is not even a good enough descriptor. Nelson Espinal, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2025 Executives continue to use those descriptors, or synonyms for them, for the upcoming holiday season. Courtney Reagan, CNBC, 24 Oct. 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 Nov. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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