# indicator

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈɪn.dɪˌkeɪ.tə(ɹ)/ · frequency rank #8,048

## Definitions
1. A pointer or index that indicates something.
2. A meter or gauge.
3. The needle or dial on such a meter.
4. Any of many substances, such as litmus, used to indicate the concentration of a substance, or the degree of a reaction.
5. A plant or animal whose presence is indicative of some specific environment.
6. A measure, such as unemployment rate, which can be used to predict economic trends.
7. A turn signal; each of the flashing lights on each side of a vehicle which indicate a turn is being made to left or right, or a lane change etc.
8. A bird, the honeyguide.
9. A codeword that marks the use of a specific cryptic device.

## Etymology
From Late Latin indicātor (“one who points out”), from Latin indicō (“point out”). By surface analysis, indicate + -or; see indicate.

## Easily confused with
- **indicate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/indicate-vs-indicator)
- **indicated** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/indicated-vs-indicator)
- **indicates** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/indicates-vs-indicator)
- **indication** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/indication-vs-indicator)

## Common misspellings (13)
`idnicator`, `indciator`, `inddicator`, `indiactor`, `indicaotr`, `indicatorr`, `indicatro`, `indicattor`, `indiccator`, `indictaor`, `inidcator`, `inndicator`, `nidicator`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/indicator