descriptor

noun

de·​scrip·​tor di-ˈskrip-tər How to pronounce descriptor (audio)
: something (such as a word or characteristic feature) that serves to describe or identify
especially : a word or phrase (such as an index term) used to identify an item (such as a subject or document) in an information retrieval system

Examples of descriptor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Critics have called the performance revealing and brave, descriptors that make Skarsgård smile. Andy Hazel, IndieWire, 23 May 2025 That escalates to a descriptor for [The Midwest states, agriculturally speaking], i.e., the CORN BELT (26A). Sam Corbin, New York Times, 13 May 2025 The aromas and flavors of gooseberry and pear, often with notes of lime, orange crocus and passion fruit (this last descriptor is more common in warmer years such as 2023) are memorable, and even the lightest examples display impressive weight on the palate and notable persistence. Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 The Trump tariff regime from its start carries none of those descriptors. Howard Homonoff, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for descriptor

Word History

Etymology

see describe

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of descriptor was in 1946

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Descriptor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/descriptor. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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