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

Fixed the mouse cursor remaining on the screen after pressing home button while using a controller. —Oliver Brandt, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Apr. 2025

This includes tasks like moving cursors, typing text and browsing the internet, allowing businesses to automate administrative functions such as form filling and data entry. —Tao Zhang, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025

But of course, Joy-Con mice feel most natural when used to simply point cursors. —James Perkins Mastromarino, NPR, 3 Apr. 2025

And in a reference to the escalating vandalism of Tesla vehicles and facilities in recent weeks, the cursor on the desktop version of the map is an image of a Molotov cocktail. —David Ingram, NBC News, 19 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for cursor

• bursar
• mercer
• purser
• precursor

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