indicator

American  

[in-di-kay-ter] / ˈɪn dɪˌkeɪ tər /

noun

• indicators
  plural

1. a person or thing that indicates, signals, or points out.

2. a pointing or directing mechanism, as a pointer on the dial of an instrument to show pressure, temperature, speed, volume, etc., or a moveable icon in the graphical user interface of a computer or other device: Move the indicator to the edge of the browser and drag to resize the window.

   The fuel indicator was pointing to empty.

   Move the indicator to the edge of the browser and drag to resize the window.

3. an instrument that indicates the condition of a machine or the like.

4. an instrument for measuring and recording variations of pressure in the cylinder of an engine.

5. Chemistry.

   1. a substance, as litmus, that indicates the presence or concentration of a certain constituent.

   2. a substance often used in a titration to indicate the point at which the reaction is complete.

6. Ecology. a plant, animal, or species that indicates, by its presence in a given area, the existence of certain environmental conditions.

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indicator British  

/ ˈɪndɪˌkeɪtə /

noun

1. something that provides an indication, esp of trends See economic indicator

2. a device to attract attention, such as the pointer of a gauge or a warning lamp

3. an instrument that displays certain operating conditions in a machine, such as a gauge showing temperature, speed, pressure, etc

4. 1. a device that records or registers something, such as the movements of a lift, or that shows information, such as arrival and departure times of trains

   2. ( as modifier )

      indicator light

5. Also called: blinker. a device for indicating that a motor vehicle is about to turn left or right, esp two pairs of lights that flash when operated or a pair of trafficators

6. Also called: dial gauge. a delicate measuring instrument used to determine small differences in the height of mechanical components. It consists of a spring-loaded plunger that operates a pointer moving over a circular scale

7. chem

   1. a substance used in titrations to indicate the completion of a chemical reaction, usually by a change of colour

   2. a substance, such as litmus, that indicates the presence of an acid or alkali

8. Also called: indicator species. ecology

   1. a plant or animal species that thrives only under particular environmental conditions and therefore indicates these conditions where it is found

   2. a species of plant or animal whose well-being confirms the well-being of other species in the area

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indicator Scientific  

/ ĭn′dĭ-kā′tər /

1. A chemical compound that changes color and structure when exposed to certain conditions and is therefore useful for chemical tests. Litmus, for example, is an indicator that becomes red in the presence of acids and blue in the presence of bases.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• indicators
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of indicator

First recorded in 1660–70; from Late Latin indicātor, equivalent to Latin indicā(re) “to make known, point out” + -tor; see origin at indicate, -tor

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Explanation

If you're familiar with the verb to "indicate," then indicator should be no problem. An indicator points to, suggests, or shows something. The arrow on a street sign is an indicator telling you which way to go. "It's not the heat, it's the humidity!" In other words, temperature is only one indicator of how it feels outside. Air-pressure, humidity, wind-chill, and cloud cover are other important indicators of weather conditions. You might hear a lot from newscasters about "economic indicators." These are figures, such as the rate of unemployment or inflation, that indicate where we're headed economically. Good or bad, we need reliable indicators if we're going to recover economically. Not all the indicators say the same thing: some say we're going to be OK sooner than others.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

indicator indicators

The analysts raise their 2027 refining indicator margin estimate to $15 a barrel from $12, which drives an 11% increase in the bank’s adjusted net income estimate.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 2, 2026

It is an important indicator of the health of the brain's blood vessels.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 1, 2026

But Kornacki said there will be a strong indicator in the 7 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 31, 2026

"To encounter golden eagles daily is the ultimate indicator of the success of the project-gamekeeper partnership."

From BBC ● Oct. 29, 2026

I mean, I’d been his best one for, like, ten years, which is a pretty good indicator of just how low his standards were.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx

Researchers plan to study additional samples to determine how other indicators of past climate and environmental conditions fit into this much longer history.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 29, 2026

They’re calculated from historical closing prices, which makes them lagging indicators.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026

In two visits to the museum during its first weeks of operation, he noticed an absence of bees and birds, key indicators of habitat.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2026

The stock is poised to gain 20% or more by the first quarter judging by technical indicators.

From Barron's ● Oct. 29, 2026

She’d put me on her lap and let me steer and work the indicators while she worked the pedals and the stick shift.

From "Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood" by Trevor Noah

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Related Words

• barometer
• gauge
• index
• signal
• symbol

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