ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pointer

n.
US //ˈpɔɪntɝ// UK //pˈɔɪntɐ// point·er
  1. 1 a tip or advice (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a helpful piece of advice or a suggestion on how to do something better.

    a useful hint, tip, or piece of practical advice. Often used in the plural.

    Example

    The teacher gave me a few pointers on how to improve my essay.

    Example

    The veteran journalist offered several pointers to the interns regarding how to conduct themselves during high-pressure interviews.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the plural form 'pointers' when referring to advice.
  2. 2 computer cursor (n.)
    A2 Elementary Computing

    the arrow or icon on a computer screen that moves when you move the mouse.

    a movable symbol on a computer screen that indicates the position of the mouse or other pointing device.

    Example

    Move the pointer to the top of the screen to see the menu.

    Example

    The user interface was designed so that the pointer changes shape when hovering over a clickable hyperlink.
Show 3 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 physical indicator (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a long stick or a tool used to show people where to look on a map or board.

    a physical object, such as a rod or a laser, used to indicate or direct attention toward a specific location.

    Example

    The lecturer used a laser pointer to highlight the data on the slide.

    Example

    The guide used a wooden pointer to trace the ancient trade routes on the large wall map.
  2. 4 programming variable (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a special piece of data in a computer program that tells the computer where to find information in its memory.

    a variable that stores the memory address of another value rather than the value itself.

    Example

    The program crashed because the pointer was looking at the wrong part of the memory.

    Example

    Efficient memory management in C requires a deep understanding of how to manipulate pointers without causing leaks or segmentation faults.

    Usage

    Used as a countable noun in technical contexts.
  3. 5 breed of dog (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a type of large hunting dog that stands still and points its nose toward birds or animals.

    any of several breeds of hunting dogs that instinctively stand in a rigid pose when they scent game.

    Example

    The hunter's pointer froze as soon as it smelled a bird in the tall grass.

    Example

    The German Shorthaired Pointer is prized by sportsmen for its versatility in both pointing and retrieving game in various terrains.

Origin

From point + -er (agent noun suffix) or + -er (measurement suffix) (sense 4).

© 2026 English Reference