use a mouse or other device to position the cursor over a particular area of a computer screen so as to cause a program to respond (typically by displaying additional information or options), without clicking a button on the device. To remain poised uncertainly in one place or between two states. One may linger close at hand, especially in a hesitant or uncertain manner. Many in the class hovered their cursors over words and icons for long periods before committing to clicking their mouse.