cursor

noun

cur·​sor ˈkər-sər 

-ˌsȯr

: a movable item used to mark a position: such as

a

: a transparent slide with a line attached to a slide rule

b

: a visual cue (such as a flashing vertical line) on a video display that indicates position (as for data entry)

Examples of cursor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The software will then decode and translate the neural data into actions, such as moving a cursor or a chess piece on a computer screen, playing video games, even using design software. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 29 Jan. 2025

Users reported that their analog sticks would display movement without input from the player, kind of like a cursor moving on a computer screen without moving the mouse. —Ash Parrish, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025

The bigger issue even than the huge cursor is the button choice. —Zak Doffman, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

Moving the cursor across them shows daily breakdowns for the corresponding data. —PCMAG, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin cursor "runner, courier," from currere "to run" + -tor, agent suffix — more at current entry 1

Note: For cursor as agent noun of currere in place of expected *co(r)stor see note at course entry 1. As with other Latin deverbal derivatives, the zero grade ablaut of the past participle has been generalized with all suffixes ending in -t-.

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cursor

noun

cur·​sor ˈkər-sər 

: a mark (as a bright blinking spot) on a computer display screen that shows the place where the user is working