indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
a
: something that serves to indicate
b
: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
2
: the action of indicating
indicational adjective

Examples of indication in a Sentence

Her evaluation will give me a good indication of where I stand in the class. There were indications that he was thinking of changing jobs.
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.
Even with the mixed indications for winter golf, course owners are nervous, NCGOA CEO Jay Karen said on a video call. Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 10 Sep. 2025 In just a few years Tesla’s Optimus, teased in 2021, is now a walking prototype being tested in Tesla factories, with Elon Musk projecting a future where thousands might be built, an indication of how seriously some companies now view humanoids as a workforce. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 10 Sep. 2025 The new Air model could also serve as an indication that Apple is rethinking the iPhone’s design more broadly. Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 Or rather, the 67-year-old actor appears to be in deep concentration, if the look on his face is any indication. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indication

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indication was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indication. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

indication

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
: the action of indicating
2
: something that indicates : sign, suggestion

Medical Definition

indication

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
a
: a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure
postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivativesC. H. Thienes
b
: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respirationThe Journal of the American Medical Association
2
: the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)

More from Merriam-Webster on indication

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