indication

noun

in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
a
: something that serves to indicate
b
: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
2
: the action of indicating
indicational adjective

Examples of indication in a Sentence

Her evaluation will give me a good indication of where I stand in the class. There were indications that he was thinking of changing jobs.
Recent Examples on the Web Despite official indications that China's yearslong anti-monopoly and data security crackdowns on technology companies have ended, entrepreneurs are jittery. Dake Kang and Elaine Kurtenbach, Quartz, 4 Mar. 2024 At the time, though, Morgan had no indication she was involved in anything potentially dangerous. Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 3 Mar. 2024 There are some indications this is happening already, as hospitals and clinics push patients to enroll in loans or credit cards to pay their medical bills. Noam Levey, NPR, 1 Mar. 2024 If the rise of quiet luxury and bookshelf wealth is any indication, the design world is ready to get fancy. Kelsey Mulvey, Sunset Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 Yet another concern is that generative AI can produce errors, yet there is often no warning or indication when this occurs. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 This isn't merely a reflection of current trends but an indication of the profound ways AI is influencing the digital landscape. Jon Stojan, Detroit Free Press, 28 Feb. 2024 This could be a slightly sour smell or a slimy or gooey texture - both of which are indications that the rice may contain harmful bacteria. Daryl Austin, USA TODAY, 28 Feb. 2024 But from all indications, the team wants to keep him. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'indication.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of indication was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near indication

Cite this Entry

“Indication.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indication. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

indication

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
: the action of indicating
2
: something that indicates : sign, suggestion

Medical Definition

indication

noun
in·​di·​ca·​tion ˌin-də-ˈkā-shən How to pronounce indication (audio)
1
a
: a symptom or particular circumstance that indicates the advisability or necessity of a specific medical treatment or procedure
postpartum hemorrhage is the chief indication for the use of ergot preparations and derivativesC. H. Thienes
b
: something that is indicated as advisable or necessary
in case of collapse the immediate indication is artificial respirationJournal of the American Medical Association
2
: the degree indicated in a specific instance or at a specific time on a graduated physical instrument (as a thermometer)

More from Merriam-Webster on indication

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