indicator

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkā-tər How to pronounce indicator (audio)
1
: one that indicates: such as
a
: an index hand (as on a dial) : pointer
(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)
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 adjective

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
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.
Note that the relative strength indicator has declined from late 2024 to the present – heading in the opposite direction of the price. John Navin, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025 If Verdun is any indicator, these estimates are conservative at best. Michael Jerome Plunkett september 5, Literary Hub, 5 Sep. 2025 Lenovo's tear through a succession of Legion Go products is a mighty indicator that PC gaming handhelds aren't just a fad. Zackery Cuevas, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025 And patients without visible signs of starvation showed severe electrolyte imbalances and significant anemia in their lab results — clear indicators of malnutrition, Ali said. Brendan Rascius, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for indicator

Word History

First Known Use

1666, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of indicator was in 1666

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Indicator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indicator. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

indicator

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tor ˈin-də-ˌkāt-ər How to pronounce indicator (audio)
1
: one that indicates: as
a
: a pointer on a dial or scale
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 How to pronounce indicator (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on indicator

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