noun
Common
indicator
IHN-dih-kay-tuh
Indicator (noun) means something that shows or points to a condition, trend, or measurement. Example: “A rising number of cold days is an indicator that winter is near.”
noun
1
Something that shows or points to a condition, trend, or measurement.
"A rising number of cold days is an indicator that winter is near."
"Regular exercise is a good indicator of overall health."
"GDP growth is a key economic indicator."
2
(UK) The flashing light on a vehicle used to signal a turn.
"Always use your indicator before you pull out to overtake another car."
"The left indicator stopped working, so I took the car to the garage."
"His indicator was still blinking long after he'd turned."
3
A dial, gauge, or needle that shows a reading.
"The temperature indicator on the oven showed that it was still heating up."
"A small indicator on the dashboard tells you how fast the engine is running."
"The fuel indicator showed the tank was nearly empty."
How to use indicator
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that points to or measures a condition — could be an economic figure, a gauge, or (in the UK) a car's turn signal.
UK vs US
"Indicator" for a car's turn signal is standard British usage; Americans call it a "turn signal" or "blinker."
Common pairings
economic indicator
leading indicator
indicator light
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Word forms
- Plural
- indicators
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A rising number of cold days is an _____ that winter is near.
Etymology
From Late Latin indicator, "one who points out," from indicare, "to indicate."
Related words
Rhymes for indicator
See all rhymes for indicator →Frequently asked questions
What does “indicator” mean?
The word “indicator” means something that shows or points to a condition, trend, or measurement. In plain terms, something that points to or measures a condition — could be an economic figure, a gauge, or (in the UK) a car's turn signal.
How do you pronounce “indicator”?
“Indicator” is pronounced IHN-dih-kay-tuh (/ˈɪn.dɪˌkeɪ.tə(ɹ)/ in IPA).
How do you use “indicator” in a sentence?
Here is “indicator” used in a sentence: “GDP growth is a key economic indicator.”
What part of speech is “indicator”?
“Indicator” is a noun.
Where does the word “indicator” come from?
The word “indicator” comes from Late Latin. From Late Latin indicator, "one who points out," from indicare, "to indicate.".
Is “indicator” a common word?
“Indicator” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “indicator” have?
“Indicator” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something that shows or points to a condition, trend, or measurement.
What is the difference between an indicator and an indication?
An indicator is the thing, device, or measure that points to a condition or trend, such as a gauge, dial, or statistic. An indication is the sign, hint, or piece of evidence itself. In short, an indicator gives you an indication.
What do British drivers mean by an indicator?
In UK English, an indicator is the flashing light on a vehicle used to signal a turn or a change of lane. American English usually calls the same light a turn signal or a blinker.
What is the difference between a leading and a lagging indicator?
A leading indicator changes before a wider trend does, so it is used to anticipate what may happen next. A lagging indicator changes after a trend is already underway, confirming it. Both are common in economics and business.
What words commonly go with indicator?
Common collocations include economic indicator, key indicator, performance indicator, and warning indicator. In data and management, a measurable target is often called a key performance indicator, or KPI.
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