pointer

[ poin-ter ]

noun

1. a person or thing that points none.
2. a long, tapering stick used by teachers, lecturers, etc., in pointing things out on a map, blackboard, or the like.
3. the hand on a watch dial, clock face, scale, etc.
4. Military. the member of an artillery crew who aims the weapon.
5. one of a breed of short-haired hunting dogs trained to point game.
6. a piece of advice, especially on how to succeed in a specific area:

   The food expert gave some good pointers on making better salads.

   Synonyms: caution, suggestion, hint, tip

7. Computers.
   1. an identifier giving the location in storage of something of interest, as a data item, table, or subroutine.
   2. a moveable icon in a graphical user interface, as an arrow, that marks the user’s location in the interface relative to areas of the screen where user input is possible. cursor ( def 1 ).
8. Pointers, Astronomy. the two outer stars of the Big Dipper that lie on a line that passes very near Polaris and are used for finding it.

pointer

/ ˈpɔɪntə /

noun

1. a person or thing that points
2. an indicator on a measuring instrument
3. a long rod or cane used by a lecturer to point to parts of a map, blackboard, etc
4. one of a breed of large swift smooth-coated dogs, usually white with black, liver, or lemon markings: when on shooting expeditions it points to the bird with its nose, body, and tail in a straight line
5. a helpful piece of information or advice

Word History and Origins

Origin of pointer¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; point none + -er ¹none

Example Sentences

Powell led the Clippers with 23 points, including five three pointers.

From Los Angeles Times

The closest they came was when LeBron James flipped the ball to his son, but the Lakers’ rookie guard missed the three pointer.

From Los Angeles Times

A couple of reader submissions offered pointers on how to hack the horseshoe from hell — the permanently gridlocked U-shaped route past all of the terminals at Los Angeles International Airport.

From Los Angeles Times

Here are some pointers to help keep them away from your home.

From Los Angeles Times

LeBron James directed the offense and Stephen Curry delivered late three pointers to seal the U.S. win over France to clinch an Olympic gold medal.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clue