predictor
Americannoun
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a person or thing that predicts.
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Mathematics. a formula for determining additional values or derivatives of a function from the relationship of its given values.
noun
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a person or thing that predicts
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an instrument, used in conjunction with an anti-aircraft gun, that determines the speed, distance, height, and direction of hostile aircraft
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statistics a more modern term for independent variable
Etymology
Origin of predictor
From the Medieval Latin word praedictor, dating back to 1645–55. See predict, -tor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Changes in core prices are a better predictor of future inflation.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 9, 2026
Plus BBC Sport will have a World Cup predictor game, with the chance to enter a prize draw to win a signed football, a daily 'name the player' quiz and player raters on every game.
From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026
Core PCE matters because it gives policymakers a clearer read on underlying inflation pressures and is generally considered a better predictor of where inflation is headed, the Fed’s chief concern.
From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026
The report also found that test scores are a better predictor of college performance than high school grades, but that UC weighed grades more heavily in admission decisions.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
Perhaps as a result, a child’s economic background is a better predictor of school performance in the United States than in Denmark, the Netherlands, or France, one study found.
From "Class Matters" by The New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
