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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After all, confidence and decisiveness are hallmark traits of executive presence, a quality long sought by boards, taught at top business schools, and used at performance review time as a catch-all descriptor to either promote or shelve C-suite hopefuls. Harvard Business Review, 1 Apr. 2026 The 'pink' descriptor refers to a new bloom of moss phlox, a pink wildflower native to the eastern and central United States, according to the Old Farmer's Almanac. Caden Perry, jsonline.com, 31 Mar. 2026 But those descriptors undersell the creativity and warmth at this Midtown restaurant, which feels like dining in your most stylish friend’s vacation home. Liz Cook, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 Mar. 2026 Brief seems to be the most frequent descriptor attached to these calls, most of which last just a few minutes, rarely more than 10. Michael Scherer, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2026 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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