indicator

American  

[in-di-key-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

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

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

Researchers say menstrual health remains poorly understood despite being a key indicator of overall health, partly because of a lack of high-quality data.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

Mortgage rate locks, a leading indicator of home sales, rose to their highest level since 2023.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

The early indicator was based on a weighted response rate to the data agency’s survey of 65%.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

Each newly created dwelling must have an EPC by law, making it the most timely indicator of new homes being built.

From BBC ● Aug. 24, 2026

As it turned out, the water-level indicator was malfunctioning.

From "Meltdown" by Deirdre Langeland

Though she showed many classic early childhood indicators — sensitivity to noise, extremely limited food preferences, rigid adherence to routine and difficulties understanding social nuances — no one suggested she was autistic.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

Market indicators provided a sharper macroeconomic assessment than Fedspeak.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

That becomes more difficult when focusing on nine different indicators with distinct ways of measuring overvaluation.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 24, 2026

Of the nine indicators plotted in the above chart, the one with the best statistical track record is the average U.S. household’s equity allocation.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 24, 2026

Knot indicated a row of levers and LED indicators beside the gears.

From "Ship Breaker" by Paolo Bacigalupi

Related Words

• barometer
• gauge
• index
• signal
• symbol