Definition of indicator noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

indicator

noun

/ˈɪndɪkeɪtə(r)/

/ˈɪndɪkeɪtər/

a sign that shows you what something is like or how a situation is changing
- The economic indicators are better than expected.
- These atmospheric waves are a reliable indicator of weather changes.
see also key performance indicator
Synonyms sign
signindication ▪ symptom ▪ symbol ▪ indicator ▪ signalThese are all words for an event, an action or a fact that shows that something exists, is happening or may happen in the future.
sign an event, an action or a fact that shows that something exists, is happening or may happen in the future:
Headaches may be a sign of stress.
indication (rather formal) a remark or sign that shows that something is happening or what somebody is thinking or feeling:
They gave no indication as to how the work should be done.
sign or indication?An indication often comes in the form of something that somebody says; a sign is usually something that happens or something that somebody does.
symptom a change in your body or mind that shows that you are not healthy; a sign that something exists, especially something bad:
Symptoms include a sore throat.
The rise in inflation was just one symptom of the poor state of the economy.
symbol a person, an object or an event that represents a more general quality or situation:
The dove is a universal symbol of peace.
indicator (rather formal) a sign that shows you what something is like or how a situation is changing:
the economic indicators
signal an event, an action or a fact that shows that something exists, is happening or may happen in the future:
Chest pains can be a warning signal of heart problems.
sign or signal?Signal is often used to talk about an event, action or fact that suggests to somebody that they should do something. Sign is not usually used in this way: Reducing prison sentences would send the wrong signs to criminals. Patterns
- a(n) sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator/signal of something
- a(n) sign/indication/symptom/indicator/signal that…
- a clear sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator/signal
- an obvious sign/indication/symptom/symbol/indicator
- an early sign/indication/symptom/indicator/signal
- an outward sign/indication/symbol
- to give a(n) sign/indication/signal
Extra Examples
- Gold prices are often seen as an indicator of inflation.
- Level of education is actually a poor indicator of ability to run a business well.
- The stock market is seen as a leading indicator of economic growth.
- These warts can serve as an indicator of other infections.
Oxford Collocations Dictionary
adjective
- accurate
- good
- reliable
- …
verb + indicator
- be
- serve as
- provide (somebody with)
- …
indicator + verb
- point to something
- show something
- suggest something
- …
preposition
- indicator for
See full entry
a device on a machine that shows speed, pressure, etc.
- a depth indicator
enlarge image
(British English)
(North American English turn signal)

(also informal blinker North American English, British English)
a light on a vehicle that flashes to show that the vehicle is going to turn left or right
- Her right-hand indicator was flashing.
- He flicked on his indicator light and passed the lorry.
Topics Transport by car or lorryc1

See indicator in the Oxford Advanced American DictionarySee indicator in the Oxford Learner's Dictionary of Academic English

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dizzy

adjective

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