indicator

noun

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in·di·ca·tor | \ ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər

Definition of indicator

1 : one that indicates: such as

a : an index hand (as on a dial) : pointer

b(1) : gauge sense 2b, dial sense 4a

(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

3a : 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

Other Words from indicator Synonyms Example Sentences Phrases Containing indicator Learn More About indicator

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 The easiest way to measure this is by the churn rate indicator. — Expert Panel®, Forbes, 17 May 2022 Sales at stores open at least a year, a key indicator of a retailer’s health, climbed 2.2 percent globally, and 1.7 percent in the United States. — BostonGlobe.com, 17 May 2022 Despite that, Schrader was the first candidate in 2022 to get Biden's endorsement, a potential indicator of how much the president wants Democrats to hold onto their seats in the House. — Hannah Demissie, ABC News, 17 May 2022 Despite signals of economic trouble in the U.S., such as soaring inflation, falling stock prices and wavering consumer confidence, one important indicator is flashing American strength: the dollar. — Jon Hilsenrath, WSJ, 15 May 2022 The waffle maker features five browning settings that are controlled with a sliding lever and red and green indicator lights. — Nicole Papantoniou, Good Housekeeping, 13 May 2022 The number of confirmed and suspected COVID-19-related hospitalizations can be a more accurate real-time indicator of local coronavirus impact because hospitals keep careful track of who fills their beds, and what ails them. — Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 May 2022 In fact, hospitalizations are rising to nearly 20,000 per day, up 20 percent over the past two weeks, according to an NBC News analysis of Health and Human Services data — but officials say that metric is becoming less of a reliable indicator. — Berkeley Lovelace Jr., NBC News, 12 May 2022 Hamilton’s watch doubles down on the complications, featuring both a perpetual calendar and moon phase indicator. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 11 May 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'indicator.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

19 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Indicator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicator. Accessed 27 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for indicator

indicator

noun

in·di·ca·tor | \ ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər

Kids Definition of indicator

1 : a sign that shows or suggests the condition or existence of something

2 : a pointer on a dial or scale

3 : dial entry 1 sense 3, gauge

indicator

noun

in·di·ca·tor | \ ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər

Medical Definition of indicator

: 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