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 implant connects to a computer via Bluetooth, allowing patients to move the cursor, select words to type, browse the web, and even play video games—a favorite activity of Neuralink's first human patient, Noland Arbaugh, who can do this all without moving any limbs or fingers. —Emily Forlini, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025

No wonder your brain sometimes feels like a blinking cursor on a blank page. —Jennifer Kamara, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

The computer then decodes these signals, allowing Smith to move a cursor on the screen with his thoughts alone. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 31 May 2025

Anthropic's Claude similarly interacts with desktop environments through visual recognition and cursor movement. —Abhishek Shivanna, Forbes.com, 6 June 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