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’s race has gotten competitive, with candidates Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and City Council Finance Chair Justin Brannan both raking in more donations and endorsements. —Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 27 Jan. 2025

First- and third-party Switch controllers simply use the Bluetooth standard, which Nintendo seems overwhelmingly likely to keep using for the Switch 2. —Ars Technica, 22 Jan. 2025

However, as for how the controllers actually stay attached to the Switch 2, Nintendo so far hasn’t said if the console uses magnets, as has been rumored. —Jay Peters, The Verge, 21 Jan. 2025

The controllers themself will use magnets to connect to the Switch proper, replacing the original system’s rail system. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025

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