pointers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal
Quick answer
What does “pointers” mean?
Objects or pieces of information used to indicate something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Objects or pieces of information used to indicate something; a thing that points or directs.
Guidance, advice, or suggestions for achieving something; in computing, a variable that stores the memory address of another variable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. The 'tips/advice' sense may be slightly more frequent in UK English. The computing sense is universal.
Connotations
Generally neutral. Can sound informal when meaning 'tips' (e.g., 'Can you give me some pointers?').
Frequency
Moderate frequency in technical (computing) and instructional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “pointers” in a Sentence
give [someone] pointers on [something]ask for pointers about [something]pointers for [improving/doing something]pointer to [a location/memory address]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The manager gave me some pointers on the client presentation."
Academic
"The professor's pointers on structuring the thesis were invaluable."
Everyday
"Could you give me a few pointers on how to use this new app?"
Technical
"The program crashed due to uninitialised pointers causing a segmentation fault."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pointers”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pointers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pointers”
- Using 'pointers' as a singular noun (e.g., 'a good pointers' -> 'a good pointer' or 'some good pointers').
- Confusing 'pointers' with 'points of view'.
- In computing, misspelling as 'pointors'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it's a key term in computing, it is commonly used in everyday language to mean 'useful tips or advice'.
'Pointers' are more specific, practical, and often shorter pieces of guidance that 'point' you in the right direction. 'Advice' is a broader, more general term.
No. 'Pointers' is plural. The singular is 'pointer'. You can say 'a pointer' or 'some pointers'.
It is neutral. It can be used in informal requests for help ("Give me some pointers") and in formal technical contexts ("The paper discusses smart pointers").
Objects or pieces of information used to indicate something.
Pointers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪntəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɔɪn(t)ərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a teacher using a POINTing stick to show you where to look; POINTERS are pieces of information that 'point' you in the right direction.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/ADVICE IS A PATH (pointers show you the way), INFORMATION IS AN OBJECT IN SPACE (a pointer references a location).
Practice
Quiz
In computer science, what is a 'pointer' primarily?