indicator

noun

USIN-di-kay-tur/ˈɪn.dɪˌkeɪ.tɚ/UKIN-di-kay-tuh/ˈɪn.dɪˌkeɪ.tə(ɹ)/

9 meanings of indicator

1
nouncountable
Something that points to or shows a fact or condition.
Like an arrow on a sign that points the way to go.
Her smile was a clear indicator that the news was good.
Dark clouds are often an indicator of coming rain.
Similarsign, indication, signal, pointer, marker
Note
2
nouncountable
A number, like the jobless rate, that helps people guess where the economy is going.
Like checking a thermometer to see if someone is sick: but for a whole country's money.
The unemployment rate is an important indicator of the economy's health.
Experts watch many indicators before warning of a recession.
Similarmeasure, gauge, barometer, index
Note
3
nounAustraliaIrelandNew ZealandSouth AfricaUKcountable
A flashing light on the side of a car that shows the driver is about to turn or change lanes.
She flicked on her indicator before turning into the car park.
His indicator kept flashing long after he had changed lanes.
Similarblinker, directional
Note
4
nouncountable
A device with a dial that shows a measurement, like speed or pressure.
Like the dial on a bike pump that shows how much air is inside.
The fuel indicator showed that the tank was almost empty.
Check the pressure indicator before you start the machine.
Similargauge, meter, dial
5
nouncountable
A substance, like litmus, that changes color to show how acidic or strong something is.
Like a strip that changes color to tell you if pool water is safe.
The indicator turned bright pink when the liquid became basic.
We added a few drops of indicator to see if the water was acidic.
Note
6
nouncountable
A plant or animal whose presence shows what kind of place or habitat it is.
Like seeing healthy fish in a river: it tells you the water is clean enough to live in.
Some frogs are a good indicator of clean water in a pond.
Lichen can be an indicator of clean air in a forest.
Similarmarker
Note
7
nouncountable
The needle or dial on a meter that shows the reading.
Like the hand on a clock that points to the numbers.
The indicator on the scale pointed to ten kilograms.
Watch the indicator move as the pressure rises.
Similarneedle, pointer, hand
Note
8
nouncountable
A word in a crossword clue that tells you which word trick to use.
The word 'shuffled' acts as the indicator that you must rearrange the letters.
She spotted the reversal indicator and read the answer backward.
Note
9
nouncountable
A small African or Asian bird known for leading people and animals to bees' nests.
Like a guide who walks ahead to show you the way to a hidden place.
The indicator led the honey badger straight to the hive.
An indicator perched nearby, calling to attract a helper.
Similarhoneyguide
Note

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of indicator apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin, from a word meaning "one who points out." It comes from indicate plus -or.