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

Even when his characters do use a computer screen, Okita shoots so tight on the cursor and characters, even their intricate composition appears tactile and sculpted. — James Marsh, Variety, 7 Oct. 2026

Bits per second is commonly used in BCI research to quantify how quickly and accurately a user can select intended targets, rather than simply measuring how fast a cursor physically moves. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2026

The ample surface area provides enough room for routine cursor movement and multi-finger gestures. — Sascha Brodsky, PC Magazine, 28 Sep. 2026

Gemini models are going to be deeply integrated with the software, ready to work on your screen context with a cursor wiggle. — ArsTechnica, 21 Sep. 2026

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