to stay in one place in the air, usually by moving the wings quickly, to wait near a place, especially because you are uncertain or nervous about what to do

hover on the brink/edge of something, hover over someone/something, hover in the background/wings

Formal and Informal Expressions of hover

In different contexts, you can replace 'hover' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'levitate, linger' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'hang around, stick around' is a commonplace synonym.

hover: Explore its Definition & Usage

hover Definition

1to stay in one place in the air, usually by moving the wings quickly
2to wait near a place, especially because you are uncertain or nervous about what to do

Using hover: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hover" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The helicopter hovered above the building.
Example
The hummingbird hovered over the flower.
Example
She hovered nervously at the door, unsure whether to enter or not.
Example
He hovered around the buffet table, waiting for the food to be served.

hover Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for hover

Antonyms for hover

Phrases with hover

hover on the brink/edge of something
to be very close to a dangerous or exciting situation
Example
The company is hovering on the brink of bankruptcy.
hover over someone/something
to watch or protect someone or something closely and constantly
Example
The mother hen hovered over her chicks to keep them warm and safe.
hover in the background/wings
to stay near a situation without being directly involved in it
Example
The manager hovered in the background, watching the employees work.

Origins of hover

from Middle English 'hoveren', meaning 'linger, tarry'

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Summary: hover in Brief

The verb 'hover' [ˈhʌvər] has two main meanings. The first refers to staying in one place in the air, usually by moving the wings quickly, as in 'The hummingbird hovered over the flower.' The second meaning is to wait near a place, especially because you are uncertain or nervous about what to do, as in 'She hovered nervously at the door, unsure whether to enter or not.' 'Hover' can also be used in phrases like 'hover on the brink of something,' indicating a dangerous or exciting situation, and 'hover over someone/something,' meaning to watch or protect closely.