predictor
Americannoun
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a person or thing that predicts.
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Mathematics. a formula for determining additional values or derivatives of a function from the relationship of its given values.
noun
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a person or thing that predicts
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an instrument, used in conjunction with an anti-aircraft gun, that determines the speed, distance, height, and direction of hostile aircraft
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statistics a more modern term for independent variable
Etymology
Origin of predictor
From the Medieval Latin word praedictor, dating back to 1645–55. See predict, -tor
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Our study suggests that time availability is a strong predictor of positive attitudes toward golf.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026
The bad news is that valuations have been a much stronger predictor of subsequent 10-year returns.
From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026
The core rate strips out volatile food and energy prices and is seen as the best predictor of future inflation.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026
Low albumin levels -- known as hypoalbuminemia -- emerged as the strongest predictor of severe outcomes, including death, across diverse patient groups on multiple continents.
From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026
It’s also a powerful predictor of how we act in certain kinds of spontaneous situations.
From "Blink" by Malcolm Gladwell
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
