What does hover mean?
To hover is to remain suspended in the air, as a bird or aircraft may do, without settling onto a surface. The word can also describe a person or object lingering nearby: a customer hovered at the counter, waiting for assistance. In figurative use, “hover over” something means to keep it at an uncertain or precarious stage, as when a decision hovers between two alternatives. A related extended sense refers to maintaining a position or attitude without committing fully. The word is especially vivid for motion that combines apparent stillness with slight, controlled adjustment. It is also useful when discussing indecision, unresolved circumstances, or threats that remain present without becoming decisive. In aviation, “hovering” denotes the controlled ability of an aircraft to remain nearly stationary above the ground.
To remain suspended in the air, move close without settling, or stay in an uncertain state.
"The bee hovered near the blossom before landing."
Common constructions include “hover over,” “hover around,” and “hover between”; figurative uses often suggest indecision or persistent concern.
An act or state of remaining suspended, stationary, or undecided.
"The aircraft maintained a steady hover above the field."
The plural is uncommon, though it can refer to multiple instances of hovering or to aircraft capable of hovering.
"The two aircraft performed synchronized hovers above the runway."
From a bird suspended in the air to a person unable to make a decision, one word captures both hovering and hesitation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hover come from?
The word is attested in English from the Middle English period, but its precise origin is uncertain. It ultimately developed within the Germanic and medieval European vocabulary associated with the Old French word hover. Its modern senses developed from older uses involving being suspended or staying above a place, later extending to lingering nearby and remaining undecided.
Related word forms
How hover is actually used
The verb is neutral in register. In its figurative sense, especially “hover over a decision,” it often suggests indecision or a persistent, threatening concern.
Easily confused with hover
“Hover” means to remain suspended or move close without settling, whereas “hove” means to lift, raise, or propel something, especially a ship.