controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər  ˈkän-ˌtrō- 

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 

ˈkän-ˌtrō-

noun

Synonyms

• control
• regulator

Examples of controller in a Sentence

the controllers for the video game system seem fairly well designed

Recent Examples on the Web

The controller can be heard in the audio, which the outlet said was shared by a reader, saying security forces are handling the situation and tells the flight that the base’s class D airspace – usually the area around an airport up to an altitude of 2,500 feet – will be closed. —Brad Lendon, CNN, 16 Dec. 2024

The controller also has USB-C passthrough charging and 3.5mm for headphones and headsets. —Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 13 Dec. 2024

At the time, Sanders was offered a promotion from accounting manager to assistant controller. —Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

The dit dit dit of signal interference can cause pilots to need controllers to repeat instructions, and in a crowded airport with tight clearances, any confusion can cause delays or worse. —Zach Wichter, USA TODAY, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing controller

• air traffic controller
• forward air controller

Kids Definition

controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər  ˈkän-ˌtrō-lər 

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

controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər, ˈkän-ˌtrō- 

: comptroller