joystick

noun

joy·​stick ˈjȯi-ˌstik 

1

: a lever in an airplane that operates the elevators by a fore-and-aft motion and the ailerons by a side-to-side motion

2

: a control for any of various devices (such as a computer) that resembles an airplane's joystick especially in being capable of motion in two or more directions

Examples of joystick in a Sentence

This game works with either a mouse or joystick.

Recent Examples on the Web

Kerr Smith: There was an effects guy with a joystick on the side rocking this thing like a roller coaster. —Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 17 Mar. 2025

Attached to the robot are a pair of joysticks that control each arm. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 17 Mar. 2025

Each machine had two operators—a driver and a robotic-arm controller, both with joysticks. —Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025

Users can also move the onscreen joystick for precise control, with a speed wheel determining how fast the focal point moves around. —New Atlas, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from English slang joystick penis

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for joystick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick
• toothpick

Kids Definition

joystick

noun

joy·​stick -ˌstik 

: a control lever for a device (as a computer display or an airplane) that allows motion in two or more directions