wayfindern.
/ˈweɪfʌɪndə/, U.S. /ˈweɪˌfaɪndər/ 1. A person skilled in finding the route or way; a navigator. Also in extended use: a person who opens up new ways; an innovator, a trailblazer. Cf. pathfinder n. 1.
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1854 G. D. Barber Suggestions Anc. Britons ii. vii. 176 We may observe that the office of way-finder appears that of the chief of the tribe.
1950 San Antonio (Texas) Express 20 June 4 a/3 Our pioneers, inventors and scientists have been wayfinders.
2003 Ann. Assoc. Amer. Geographers 93 413/2 It is of interest to compare what wayfinders say they do when they attempt shortcuts.
2016 Cape Argus (Nexis) 26 Nov. 1 Moana..convinces the mighty demigod Maui..and he reluctantly helps her become a wayfinder like her ancestors.
2. Something which shows which way a person should go; a route map; a landmark or signpost. Also in extended use: a useful guide or reference work on a particular subject.
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1903 Boston Sunday Globe 7 June 23/2 (advt.) Tourists should buy The Trolley Wayfinder. Gives trolley routes..throughout New England.
1909 Dial 46 38/1 This is the season of the annual index—the way-finder to the past year's treasures of periodical literature.
1938 in J. Maratta How to finance & market Specialties & Inventions Introd. James Maratta has given to the specialty selling world two previous texts... The first..is a vibrant way-finder..for salesmen.
2003 City News (Brisbane) 15 May 4/1 It acts as ‘wayfinder’—a landmark to communicate direction.
2014 New Yorker 19 May 79/2 Realign the escalators that take visitors up to exhibits... Embed a shallow ‘no-depth’ river in the floor as a way-finder.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, January 2018; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1854