pointer

point·er | \ ˈpȯin-tər

Definition of pointer

1a Pointers plural : the two stars in the Big Dipper a line through which points to the North Star

b : one that points out especially : a rod used to direct attention

c : a computer memory address that contains another address (as of desired data)

2 : any of various large, strong, slender gundogs that hunt by scent and indicate the presence of game by pointing (see point entry 2 sense 4b) specifically : any of an English breed of agile, muscular dogs having a short, smooth coat that is usually white with patches of liver, pale yellow, black, or orange and a moderately long tapered tail — see also german shorthaired pointer, german wirehaired pointer

3 : one that furnishes with points

4 : a useful suggestion or hint : tip

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pointer

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Examples of pointer in a Sentence

Let me give you a few pointers on managing a successful business. The latest data gives a pointer to the economy's overall growth. This may be a pointer to a very serious problem.

Recent Examples on the Web Connaughton drove into the lane, deposited a slick behind-the-back pass to Brook Lopez, who quickly dished in the corner to George Hill for a buzzer-beating three-pointer in the first half. — Jr Radcliffe, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Eleven memorable plays during the 2019-20 Bucks season," 14 Aug. 2020 Portland spent most of the third quarter playing catchup but managed to lead 130-128 when Lillard drove to the basket before passing back out to Gary Trent Jr. who made a three-pointer with 2:29 remaining. — oregonlive, "Portland Trail Blazers survive pesky Brooklyn Nets, 134-133, advance to play-in round: Game rewind," 14 Aug. 2020 Though another three from Holmes would put the Sun up by six with just under five minutes to play, the Wings fought back to pull within one off a three-pointer from Ty Harris. — Alexa Philippou, courant.com, "Connecticut Sun battle back from 12-point deficit for 70-66 win, sweep Dallas Wings," 12 Aug. 2020 Multiply that process by the thousands of samples Predict has collected, and the data set transforms into an early warning system, a pointer to hot spots and species where pandemic pathogens might emerge. — Gaia Squarci, Smithsonian Magazine, "The Virus Hunters," 10 Aug. 2020 If the goal is to make a three-pointer, and the shot drops consistently, then who cares about the minutiae of form? — Greg Moore, The Arizona Republic, "Why it's actually progressive that San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich stood for anthem," 8 Aug. 2020 Trent, who in three games has shot 60 percent from three-point range (16 of 25), hit a three-pointer with 2:53 remaining that gave Portland a 103-100 lead. — oregonlive, "Carmelo Anthony and Gary Trent Jr. coming up huge for Portland Trail Blazers’ during playoff push," 5 Aug. 2020 Look for anything that looks political, and float your mouse pointer over it to get the down arrow option to appear on the right side. — Ken Colburn, The Arizona Republic, "Getting tired of political ads? Here's how to manage your Facebook settings," 3 Aug. 2020 With just over three minutes left Sunday night, Khris Middleton ended a tough, gritty, three-offensive rebound possession by knocking down a wide-open three-pointer off a good find by Brook Lopez. — Matt Velazquez, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Rockets 120, Bucks 116: Late rally marred by careless finish," 2 Aug. 2020

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

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