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

Boston went up 16 points after the first quarter on a Payton Pritchard buzzer-beater 3-pointer and never looked back. —Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026

Banchero picked off the bad pass, brought the ball down the court and received a favorable bounce on a 3-pointer to put Orlando ahead by eight points over Detroit late. —Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Apr. 2026

Timely 3-pointers from Anunoby and Brunson, plus second-chance points from players like Mitchell Robinson, kept momentum firmly on New York's side. —Christopher Harris, CBS News, 26 Apr. 2026

After Maxey and Vucevic traded 3-pointers, the Celtics botched two entry passes for their 15th and 16th turnovers of the night. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 25 Apr. 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