Index — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈin-ˌdeks/ in·dex

Meaning & Definition of Index

Index (noun)

  1. a list (as of bibliographical information or citations to a body of literature) arranged usually in alphabetical order of some specified datum (such as author, subject, or keyword)
  2. a list of items (such as topics or names) treated in a printed work that gives for each item the page number where it may be found
  3. a list of publicly traded companies and their stock prices

Index (verb)

  1. to provide with an index
  2. to list in an index
  3. to serve as an index of

Index (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. an arrow-shaped piece on a dial or scale for registering information

    "the index on the thermometer dropped below zero"

    similar: hand, indicator, needle, pointer
    related: dial, face, gauge

Index (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to put (someone or something) on a list

    "indexed all the books in the library by category"

    similar: catalog, enroll, enter, inscribe, list, put down, record, register, schedule, slate
    related: book, card, file, note, classify, compile, tabulate, tally, reschedule
    near: delete

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Index

The most common words with a similar meaning to Index:

hand, indicator, needle, pointer, catalog, enroll, enter, inscribe, list, put down, record, register, schedule, slate

Related Words for Index

dial, face, gauge, book, card, file, note, classify, compile, tabulate, tally, reschedule

Near Antonyms of Index

delete

Word Forms of Index

Inflections: indexes, indices, indexed, indexing

Derived words: indexer (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Index

Latin indic-, index, from indicare to indicate

First known use: 1561

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Index

Words & Phrases Containing Index

index card, index case, index finger, index fossil, index number, index of refraction, index patient

Frequently Asked Questions about Index

What does "Index" mean?

"Index" means a list (as of bibliographical information or citations to a body of literature) arranged usually in alphabetical order of some specified datum (such as author, subject, or keyword). As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a list (as of bibliographical information or citations to a body of literature) arranged usually in alphabetical order of some specified datum (such as author, subject, or keyword). It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Index"?

Other words for "Index" include hand, indicator, needle, pointer, catalog, enroll, enter and inscribe. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Index" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Index"?

There are 26 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Index". Common alternatives include hand, indicator, needle, pointer, catalog, enroll, enter, inscribe, list and put down.

How do you use "Index" in a sentence?

Examples of "Index" in a sentence: "the index on the thermometer dropped below zero"; "indexed all the books in the library by category".

Is "Index" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Index" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

Is "Index" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Index" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Index"?

"Index" is pronounced /ˈin-ˌdeks/ and divided into syllables as in·dex.

What is the origin of the word "Index"?

"Index" comes from Latin indic-, index, from indicare to indicate. First known use: 1561.