controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər How to pronounce controller (audio) ˈkän-ˌtrō- How to pronounce controller (audio)
1
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
controllership
kən-ˈtrō-lər-ˌship How to pronounce controller (audio)
ˈkän-ˌtrō-
noun

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.
Ultra responsive Mechanical buttons are a must for any controller at this price point, but their responsiveness is incredible. Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 With overtime, controllers in the most complex airspace routinely make more than twice that amount. Joel Rose, NPR, 19 June 2025 The game unfolds more like an interactive movie than a video game, with the player needing to select the right direction of the controller and hit the action button in time to survive threats like giant skeletal hands or collapsing bridges. Michileen Martin, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 The motor mount secures to the rear seat stays, while the controller mount attaches to the handlebars. New Atlas, 18 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Controller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/controller. Accessed 26 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

controller

noun
1
: the chief accounting officer of a business or institution
2
: a person who controls
an air traffic controller
3

Legal Definition

controller

noun
con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər, ˈkän-ˌtrō- How to pronounce controller (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on controller

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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