an indicator as on a dial
"The car's speedometer pointer jumped rapidly as I pressed the gas pedal to its limit."
a strong slender smooth-haired dog of Spanish origin having a white coat with brown or black patches; scents out and points to game
"The family's new pointer eagerly tracked the scent in the field before freezing stiffly to point at the hidden pheasant."
Anything that points or is used for pointing.
"She tapped the map with her index finger, acting as a pointer to show us where the exit was located."
In plain English: A pointer is something that directs your attention to a specific thing or person.
"The computer mouse acted as a pointer to select the file on the screen."
Usage: A pointer is an object designed to indicate direction or select items on a screen, such as a pen used in presentations or the cursor on a computer. Use this term when referring to tools specifically made for pointing rather than general directions or indicators.
A surname.
"The Pointer family has been living on that farm for three generations."
The word pointer comes from combining the verb point with a suffix that originally indicated an agent who performs the action. While it could theoretically refer to something used for measuring, its primary meaning refers simply to someone or something that points.