indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər 

1

: one that indicates: such as

a

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

b(1)

: gauge sense 2b, dial sense 1a

(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

3

a

: 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

indicatory

in-ˈdi-kə-ˌtȯr-ē 

adjective

Synonyms of indicator

• needle
• index

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

Instead, treat it as a clear indicator of management discipline and associated focus on cost control and overall EBITDA performance. —David Pennino, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Of all the education data the state tracks, Barrera believes the college and career indicator is the most important indicator on its education dashboard. —Jemma Stephenson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2026

Tips for Growing Hotter Jalapeños Although color is not a reliable indicator of the heat level of jalapeños, there are a few signs that suggest the peppers will be fiery hot. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 May 2026

Ming recruited teams of UC Berkeley students to use AI tools to predict real-world outcomes on Polymarket — the forecasting exchange where professionals with real money bet on geopolitical events, commodity prices, and economic indicators. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 16 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing indicator

• plan position indicator

Rhymes for indicator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər 

1

: one that indicates: as

a

: a pointer on a dial or scale

b

: gauge entry 1 sense 2a

2

: a substance used to show visually (as by change of color) the presence of acid or base in a solution

Medical Definition

indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər 

: 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