controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər How to pronounce controller (audio) ˈkän-ˌtrō- How to pronounce controller (audio)
Synonyms of controllernext
1
a
: comptroller sense 1
b
: comptroller sense 2
c
: the chief accounting officer of a business enterprise or an institution (such as a college)
2
a
: one that controls or has power or authority to control
air traffic controller
b
: control sense 3a
controllership
kən-ˈtrō-lər-ˌship How to pronounce controller (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtrō-
noun

Synonyms of controller

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Examples of controller in a Sentence

the controllers for the video game system seem fairly well designed
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Known as programmable logic controllers, these devices can be used like an industrial version of home thermostats. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Modeling multiple outcomes Predicting aircraft movement on the ground presents a unique challenge because pilots can choose different taxi routes depending on traffic, controller instructions, and airport conditions. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026 The player holds onto the controller, but unlike most console controllers, there are straps or grips that keep them safely in the player’s hands. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026 Under the code now, being on the sidewalk is only an exception when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or protect the safety of a person or vehicle in compliance with the law, direction of police officers or traffic controllers. — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for controller

Word History

Etymology

Middle English countreroller, from Anglo-French contreroulur, from contreroule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of controller was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing controller

Rhymes for controller

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Browse Nearby Words

controlled substance
controller
controllership
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Cite this Entry

“Controller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controller. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

controller

noun
con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər How to pronounce controller (audio) ˈkän-ˌtrō-lər How to pronounce controller (audio)
1
: the chief accounting officer of a business or institution
2
: a person who controls
an air traffic controller
3
: control entry 2 sense 3a

Legal Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on controller

Nglish: Translation of controller for Spanish Speakers

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