trackball

noun track·ball \ ˈtrak-ˌbȯl \

Definition of trackball

: a ball that is mounted usually in a computer console so as to be only partially exposed and that is rotated to control the movement of a cursor on a display

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Recent Examples of trackball from the Web

Sometimes the joystick didn’t work all that well, a button needed to be mashed really hard, or a trackball wouldn’t spin very smoothly.

— eric bangeman, Ars Technica, "A visit to Galloping Ghost, the largest video game arcade in the USA," 26 Nov. 2017
While the Ship's Control Console has a wheel for manual steering, both steering and throttle can be controlled with trackballs, with the adjustments showing up on the screens for each station.

— sean gallagher, Ars Technica, "USS McCain collision ultimately caused by UI confusion," 2 Nov. 2017
Of all the pointing devices that have been invented, the most neglected is probably the trackball.

— peter bright, Ars Technica, "In a blast from the past, Logitech releases a new trackball," 6 Sep. 2017
After installing the software, the reader’s trackball regained its functionality.

— jeff carlson, The Seattle Times, "Gearing up for the new iPhone," 1 Sep. 2017
A trackball allows users to navigate the interface, and also uses different colored lights to send various alerts — such as a new call or e-mail message.

— mat honan, WIRED, "Google Debuts Android-Powered Nexus One ‘Superphone’," 5 Jan. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trackball.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.