What does "cursor" mean?
A part of any of several scientific or measuring instruments that moves back and forth to indicate a position.
Cursor
/ˈkɜːsə/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A part of any of several scientific or measuring instruments that moves back and forth to indicate a position.
- Grammar: cursor is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: pointer, arrow, caret, cursor icon.
- Useful contrasts: no cursor, no indicator, no input marker.
- Usage evidence: To take the cursor to the next line or to execute a command or operation, press the return key.
How to use "cursor"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cursor" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cursor" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cursor" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "cursor" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cursor" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "pointer" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "cursor", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A part of any of several scientific or measuring instruments that moves back and forth to indicate a position.
"Besides, the Reader must know, if a Brazen graduated Semi-Circle were hung on the Poles here, with an erected moveable Pin, or Cursor on it, there would be no need of the Holes[…]in each Parallel of the Globe, for the true Composing of it[…]"
- 2 (computer science) indicator consisting of a movable spot of light (an icon) on a visual display; moving it allows the user to point to commands or screen positions wordnet
- 3 A moving icon or other representation, usually called a pointer, of the position of the pointing device.
- 4 An indicator, often a blinking line or bar, indicating where the next insertion or other edit will take place.
- 5 A reference to a row of data in a table, which moves from row to row as data is retrieved by way of it.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A design pattern in object oriented methodology in which a collection is iterated uniformly.
Verb
- 1 To navigate by means of the cursor keys. intransitive
"The only other problem is that there's a nagging tendency for the highlight to overrun when cursoring through file lists."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
no cursorno indicatorno input markerno pointer
Example
"To take the cursor to the next line or to execute a command or operation, press the return key."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cursor"?
Common synonyms include: pointer, arrow, caret, cursor icon, data cursor, db cursor.
How do you use "cursor" in a sentence?
To take the cursor to the next line or to execute a command or operation, press the return key.
How do you pronounce "cursor"?
Pronounced /ˈkɜːsə/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin cursor (“runner”), from currō (“run”) + -or (agentive suffix). Ultimately from Proto-Indo-European.