pointer

noun

point·​er ˈpȯin-tər 

1

a

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 1b)

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 of pointer

• needle
• indicator
• index

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

Angel Reese put up a rare 30-point double-double, Allisha Gray broke her own franchise record for points in a season — and Rhyne Howard hit her 129th 3-pointer of the year. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026

After missing her first eight attempts from beyond the arc, Howard connected in the fourth quarter for her 129th 3-pointer of the season, setting a WNBA single-season record. — Christopher Harris, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

Stewart responded with a 3-pointer on New York's following possession and the Liberty never trailed again. — ABC News, 18 Sep. 2026

That was a disquieting pointer to Federal Reserve Board policy, for the central bank counted controlling inflation, not enduring full employment, as one of its mandates. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Phrases Containing pointer

• German shorthaired pointer
• German wirehaired pointer
• hip pointer
• three-pointer

Rhymes for pointer

• jointer

Kids Definition

pointer

noun

point·​er ˈpȯint-ər 

1

: one that points

especially : a rod used to direct attention

2

: a large dog with long ears and short hair that hunts by scent, and points game

3

: a useful hint : tip

pointers on how to study

Medical Definition

pointer

see hip pointer