Hoover vs. Hover: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 22, 2023
"Hoover" is primarily used to describe the act of vacuuming, often specifically with a Hoover brand vacuum cleaner. "Hover" means to remain in one place in the air, often by flapping wings or using some sort of propulsion.
Difference Between Hoover and Hover
"Hover" and "hoover" are two distinct words that are often confused due to their phonetic similarity. "Hover" generally means to remain floating in a fixed position in the air. This could describe the behavior of a hummingbird near a flower, a drone flying in place, or even a person anxiously waiting nearby. In contrast, "hoover" is primarily used to describe the act of vacuum cleaning, and the term originates from the Hoover Company, a prominent manufacturer of vacuum cleaners.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
While "hover" is a verb describing a state of suspended animation or static floating, "hoover" has become synonymous with the action of vacuum cleaning in some regions, particularly in British English. In American English, you're more likely to hear the term "vacuum" instead of "hoover" when referring to the cleaning action. Both words function as verbs, but they refer to very different actions and are not interchangeable.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
The term "hover" can also be used metaphorically to describe someone who stays close to a person or object, anxiously or protectively. For example, a parent might "hover" over their child at a playground. "Hoover," on the other hand, doesn't really have a metaphorical sense, but its brand-specific usage has made it into a general term for vacuuming.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
It's important to note that while "hover" is a standard English word found universally, the usage of "hoover" as a verb for vacuum cleaning is more specific to certain English-speaking regions and stems from a brand name. In summary, "hover" refers to remaining in one place in the air or staying close to something, while "hoover" pertains to the act of vacuuming, often with a Hoover brand vacuum cleaner.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Hoover vs. Hover Comparison Chart
Hoover vs. Hover Definitions
◉Hover
Hover can refer to flapping wings to remain airborne.
The hummingbird seemed to hover effortlessly.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hoover
Hoover implies the removal of dirt or debris using suction.
It's time to hoover the car interior.
Kaitlyn
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hover
Hover denotes a lack of forward or backward motion while airborne.
The bird hovered before swooping down on its prey.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hoover
Hoover refers specifically to using a Hoover brand vacuum cleaner.
He used the Hoover to clean the carpets.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hover
Hover implies remaining in a fixed position.
The helicopter hovered above the ground.
Levi
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hoover
Hoover as a verb originates from a brand name.
Many people hoover their homes regularly.
Leo
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hover
Hover can also be used metaphorically.
The manager tends to hover over his employees.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hoover
To clean (a surface or material) with a vacuum cleaner
hoovered the rug.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To remain floating, suspended, or fluttering in the air
gulls hovering over the waves.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
To remove with a vacuum cleaner. Often used with up
hoovered up the spilled cereal.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To remain or linger in or near a place
hovering around the speaker's podium.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To remain in an uncertain state; waver
hovered between anger and remorse.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
(Informal) To use a vacuum cleaner
needs to hoover before the guests arrive.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
(Computers) To position a pointer over an object or area of the screen, causing a pop-up box to appear or other change to occur
Hover over the image to display the filename.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To cause to hover
The pilot hovered the helicopter a few feet above the icy river.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
To clean (a room, etc.) with a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand.
I need to hoover this room.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
(Computers) To position (a pointer) over an object or area of the screen
hovered the cursor over the link.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
To use a vacuum cleaner, irrespective of brand.
My husband is upstairs, hoovering.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To keep (something, such as an aircraft) in a stationary state in the air.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
Of a bird: to shelter (chicks) under its body and wings; (by extension) of a thing: to cover or surround (something).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
United States industrialist who manufactured vacuum cleaners (1849-1932)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
(obsolete) Of a bird or insect: to flap (its wings) so it can remain stationary in the air.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
United States lawyer who was director of the FBI for 48 years (1895-1972)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
31st President of the United States; in 1929 the stock market crashed and the economy collapsed and Hoover was defeated for re-election by Franklin Roosevelt (1874-1964)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To remain stationary or float in the air.
The hummingbird hovered by the plant.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
(computing) Chiefly followed by over: to use a mouse or other device to place a cursor over something on a screen such as a hyperlink or icon without clicking, so as to produce a result (such as the appearance of a tooltip).
A tooltip appears when you hover over this link.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hoover
Hoover is often used in British English for vacuuming.
She prefers to hoover rather than sweep.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
◉Hover
(nautical) To travel in a hovercraft as it moves above a water surface.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
An act, or the state, of remaining stationary in the air or some other place.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
(figuratively) An act, or the state, of being suspended; a suspension.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
A cover; a protection; a shelter; specifically, an overhanging bank or stone under which fish can shelter; also, a shelter for hens brooding their eggs.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To hang fluttering in the air, or on the wing; to remain in flight or floating about or over a place or object; to be suspended in the air above something.
Great flights of birds are hovering about the bridge, and settling on it.
A hovering mist came swimming o'er his sight.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
To hang about; to move to and fro near a place, threateningly, watchfully, or irresolutely.
Agricola having sent his navy to hover on the coast.
Hovering o'er the paper with her quill.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
be undecided about something; waver between conflicting positions or courses of action;
He oscillates between accepting the new position and retirement
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
be suspended in the air, as if in defiance of gravity;
The guru claimed that he could levitate
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
hang over, as of something threatening, dark, or menacing;
The terrible vision brooded over her all day long
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Hover
Hover means to stay in one place in the air.
The drone can hover steadily for several minutes.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Hoover vs. Hover Frequently Asked Questions
What does hover mean?
Hover means to remain in one place in the air or to stay close to something or someone.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
What does hoover mean?
Hoover primarily refers to the act of vacuuming, often with a Hoover brand vacuum cleaner.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Is hoover a standard English word?
Hoover as a verb for vacuum cleaning is more common in British English and originates from a brand name.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
Can hoover be used metaphorically?
Hoover is rarely used metaphorically and is mainly used for the act of vacuum cleaning.
Henry
Sep 22, 2023
Can hover be used metaphorically?
Yes, hover can be used metaphorically to describe someone who stays close to someone or something, often anxiously.
Muazma Batool
Sep 22, 2023
Is hover a standard English word?
Yes, hover is a standard English word with universal usage.
Lucas
Sep 22, 2023
Is hoover an American or British term?
Hoover is more commonly used as a verb for vacuuming in British English.
Henry
Sep 22, 2023
Is hover used in both British and American English?
Yes, hover is used in both British and American English.
Kaitlyn
Sep 22, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
