clicker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Business, Everyday
Quick answer
What does “clicker” mean?
A small handheld device used to make a clicking sound, often used for training animals, counting, or as a remote control for presentations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small handheld device used to make a clicking sound, often used for training animals, counting, or as a remote control for presentations.
In modern contexts, it can refer to a person who operates a computer mouse or takes photographs (a 'shutter-clicker'), or the software/dongle used for audience response systems. Historically, it referred to a compositor's servant in printing or a foreman in a shoe factory.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in core meaning. The term 'clicker' for a TV remote is slightly more common in UK informal speech. The term for a presentation remote is universal.
Connotations
Neutral for devices. When referring to a person (e.g., 'mouse clicker'), it can be slightly pejorative, implying repetitive, low-skill work.
Frequency
Moderately low frequency in both dialects, spiking in technical/business contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “clicker” in a Sentence
use + [clicker] + to + VERB (use a clicker to train)press + [the clicker]connect + [clicker] + to + [computer/presentation]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the handheld device used to advance slides during presentations. 'Don't forget your clicker for the investor pitch.'
Academic
Used in pedagogical research for Audience Response Systems (ARS) or 'clickers' that allow students to answer polls.
Everyday
Primarily associated with dog training devices. 'The puppy learned faster with a clicker.'
Technical
Can refer to a USB RF receiver paired with a presentation remote, or software simulating mouse clicks.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clicker”
- Using 'clicker' to mean a computer mouse (mouse is standard). Confusing 'clicker' (device) with 'click' (action).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In informal British English, it can be, but technically it's less precise. Standard English uses 'remote' or 'remote control' for TVs.
Yes, but it's often slightly derogatory, e.g., referring to a data entry clerk as a 'mouse clicker'.
They are synonyms in a business context. 'Presenter' or 'presentation remote' is slightly more formal.
Usually not. Most clickers act as a simple keyboard (Page Down/Page Up) or wireless mouse, requiring only a USB receiver.
A small handheld device used to make a clicking sound, often used for training animals, counting, or as a remote control for presentations.
Clicker is usually technical, business, everyday in register.
Clicker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɪkə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's just a clicker (pejorative for someone doing repetitive computer work).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CLICKing remote controllER = CLICKER.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TOOL FOR INSTANT FEEDBACK (The click sound marks a precise moment of correct behavior).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'clicker' LEAST likely to be used?