locator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "locator" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you refer to something that identifies or indicates a location, such as in mapping or navigation. Example: "The GPS device has a built-in locator that helps users find their way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And the more there is in fundamental physics, the easier it is to solve the location problem, because the would-be locator has more resources to work with.

SEP

However when your striker is expert blind alley locator Milan Baros, sometimes a draw will do just fine.

The Guardian - Sport

One company, Wherify Wireless, has developed a personal locator for children that looks like a big, colourful watch.

The Economist

Governments should then set firm deadlines for all new cars to be fully connected and capable of platooning, and a date for existing cars to be retrofitted with a basic locator beacon and the ability to receive hazard warnings.If cars are to connect, new infrastructure will have to be built.

The Economist

The result is Spiroscout, an inhaler with a built-in Global Positioning System locator and (in advanced models) a wireless link to the internet.

The Economist

This refers to websites that publish an article under one web address (or URL, for "uniform resource locator"), but then change the URL when archiving the article.

The Economist

It noted no unusual activity by the crew before the flight, and no possible safety or maintenance problems other than an expired (but apparently still functional) battery in the locator beacon for the plane's flight data recorder.

The Economist

SCOTT MCNEALY of Sun Microsystems, a computer-maker, once said he could imagine a day when doctors would "slap a baby's bottom" and then insert a locator chip into the newborn child's neck.

The Economist

In the event of a crash at sea, flight recorders are equipped with a sonar device that is designed to emit an ultrasonic locator signal for at least 30 days.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The team found the battleship on the third dive of its underwater vehicle after narrowing the search area with detailed undersea topographical data and other locator devices.

Independent

This includes the airline ticket number, record locator and barcode, as well as "any other identifiable information".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing software features, specify the type of "locator" (e.g. GPS locator, store locator) to provide clarity for the user.

Common error

Avoid using "locator" as a verb. The correct verb form is "locate". For example, instead of saying "The app locators nearby restaurants", say "The app locates nearby restaurants."

Linguistic Context

The word "locator" functions primarily as a noun, denoting something or someone that performs the act of locating. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples where "locator" serves as a tool or identifier for a location.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "locator" is a versatile noun used to describe something or someone that finds or identifies a location. Ludwig AI confirms that its usage spans various contexts, from store finders and GPS trackers to URL addresses and emergency beacons. It maintains a neutral tone and appears most commonly in news, encyclopedia entries, and scientific publications. While the word is grammatically sound, avoid using it as a verb; instead, use "locate". Remember that context matters when choosing alternatives like "position finder" or "tracker", based on their nuances. As a tool or device, the "locator" helps us find our way in the physical and digital world.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

point locator

Implies determining the precise location of a specific point.

location tracker

Highlights the ongoing monitoring of an object's whereabouts over a period of time.

position finder

Refers to a tool or method specifically designed to determine the location or coordinates of an object or entity.

address finder

Specifically used for finding a physical address, rather than a general location.

spot identifier

Emphasizes the act of pinpointing a specific place or point.

place marker

Used to denote a specific location, often as a reference point.

geographic indicator

A broad term referring to anything that helps determine a geographic position.

destination pointer

Suggests something that guides or directs towards a specific target location.

site surveyor

Implies a professional or tool used for mapping and determining the boundaries of a site.

coordinate retriever

Focuses on the retrieval of specific location data in terms of coordinates.

FAQs

How is "locator" used in the context of web addresses?

In web contexts, "locator" often refers to a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), which is the address of a resource on the internet. It specifies the protocol and the domain name to access the resource.

What is a store "locator"?

A store "locator" is a feature, often found on a company's website or app, that helps users find the nearest physical store location. You can use it to find store hours, addresses and contact information.

Which is a better word to describe the action, to "locate" or to use a "locator"?

To "locate" is the action, while a "locator" is the tool that helps perform that action. You would "locate" your keys using a key "locator".

What are some devices that have "locator" features?

Many devices include "locator" features, such as personal "locators" for children, GPS "locators" in vehicles, and emergency "locators" on aircraft.