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.
Meanwhile, job growth hasn’t been as robust as other indicators have been, casting gloom over the housing market. Preston Fore, Fortune, 27 Sep. 2025 Tailoring and construction are telltale indicators of quality, but not everyone can shell out for a custom couture ensemble. Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 27 Sep. 2025 Some waffle irons will indicate when the waffle is ready, but if your waffle iron doesn’t have an indicator, check for doneness when the steam subsides. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 25 Sep. 2025 Emptying the dust cup was simple thanks to clear arrow indicators, although detaching it from the wand first added a small inconvenience. Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 25 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 30 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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