1. relating to or functioning as an index or indicator
Usage: technical; linguistics; philosophy
2. having meaning that depends on the context in which it is used
Usage: linguistics; philosophy

Examples

• Words like ‘here’ and ‘now’ are indexical expressions that change meaning based on when and where they are spoken.
• The philosopher studied indexical terms in language and their relationship to context.
• Pronouns such as ‘I’ and ‘you’ are classic examples of indexical words.
• The indexical nature of certain expressions makes translation particularly challenging.
• In semiotics, indexical signs point directly to their objects.
• The researcher examined the indexical properties of demonstrative pronouns.