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

It's been over two decades since researchers first demonstrated that a person could move a computer cursor with their thoughts. —Emily Kwong, NPR, 10 Sep. 2025

Participants could learn to move a cursor, send a text, or operate a robotic arm. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2025

While companies like Neuralink, Synchron, and Precision Neuroscience have drawn attention for enabling people with paralysis to move cursors or type by thought, those systems are primarily focused on motor control. —Jason Snyder, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Computer Use is an experimental feature that allows Claude to take screenshots and control a user's mouse cursor to perform tasks, but the new Chrome extension provides more direct browser integration. —Benj Edwards, ArsTechnica, 27 Aug. 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