Hover
/ˈhʌv.ər/noun
To remain suspended in one place or move lightly back and forth near something.
Did you know?Hover is from a Germanic root meaning to shake or tremble, the same ancient family behind several English words for sudden movement and quivering.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*hubrōną
“to hover, tremble, or flutter”
Old English
OE
hofian
“to hover, hang about, or remain in suspense”
Middle English
ME
hoveren
“to float or hang in the air; to linger”
Early Modern English
English
hover
“to remain suspended or move lightly over something”
Modern English
English
hover
“to stay in one place in the air or nearby”