1
a
Pointers plural
: the two stars in the Big Dipper a line through which points to the North Star
b
: one that points out
especially
: a rod used to direct attention
c
: a computer memory address that contains another address (as of desired data)
2
: any of various large, strong, slender gundogs that hunt by scent and indicate the presence of game by pointing (see point entry 2 sense 4b)
specifically
: any of an English breed of agile, muscular dogs having a short, smooth coat that is usually white with patches of liver, pale yellow, black, or orange and a moderately long tapered tail see also german shorthaired pointer, german wirehaired pointer
3
: one that furnishes with points
4
: a useful suggestion or hint : tip
Examples of pointer in a Sentence
Let me give you a few pointers on managing a successful business.
The latest data gives a pointer to the economy's overall growth.
This may be a pointer to a very serious problem.
Recent Examples on the Web
One of her pointer fingers was a collision of color, with fuschia, baby blue, and army green all mingling in a glorious combination.
—
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Oct. 2024
Jason Sudeikis had some uplifting pointers for WNBA players ahead of the Game 5 finals — delivered in his signature Southern drawl as Ted Lasso.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024
During the Jonas Brothers' stop at the O2 Arena in Prague on Tuesday, Oct. 15, an audience member's unauthorized laser pointer aimed at Nick caused the show to stop for several minutes.
—Jade Gomez, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024
The couples also had a little help from judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, who stopped by rehearsals to give midway pointers to each duo.
—Calie Schepp, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pointer 
Kara Nesvig, Allure, 22 Oct. 2024
Jason Sudeikis had some uplifting pointers for WNBA players ahead of the Game 5 finals — delivered in his signature Southern drawl as Ted Lasso.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2024
During the Jonas Brothers' stop at the O2 Arena in Prague on Tuesday, Oct. 15, an audience member's unauthorized laser pointer aimed at Nick caused the show to stop for several minutes.
—Jade Gomez, People.com, 16 Oct. 2024
The couples also had a little help from judges Derek Hough, Carrie Ann Inaba, and Bruno Tonioli, who stopped by rehearsals to give midway pointers to each duo.
—Calie Schepp, EW.com, 16 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for pointer
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pointer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near pointer
Cite this Entry
“Pointer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pointer. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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