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pointing device

American  

noun

Computers.
  1. an input device, as a mouse, stylus, or joystick, used to control movement of a cursor or pointer.


Etymology

Origin of pointing device

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Allessandro uses head movement to control a wireless pointing device.

From BBC • Dec. 14, 2023

There is no trackpad or pointing device, however.

From The Verge • Jul. 16, 2021

There were computers, but they were gargantuan, not cursed with internet access, and they came with “a clever pointing device called a mouse.”

From New York Times • Jun. 25, 2020

In that instance, the goal was not to design a snazzy new pointing device, but to give non-technical people the ability to easily use a computer.

From Nature • Oct. 2, 2018

A malady exhibited by the mouse pointing device of some computers.

From The Jargon File, Version 2.9.10, 01 Jul 1992 by Raymond, Eric S.