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.
Shortly after the vote, City Councilmember Nithya Raman, Bass’ rival for mayor, appeared with city Controller Kenneth Mejia in front of the downtown DWP building to reiterate her own call for an audit — one conducted by the controller’s office. — Melissa Gomez, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026 The signals are transmitted to a computer or electronic controller, which processes the data to determine where contact is occurring and how much pressure is being exerted. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 Rather than approving only complete drones, the Blue UAS Framework also vets individual components like flight controllers, radios, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers, cameras and software. — Yoav Amitai, Forbes.com, 26 Oct. 2026 For spacecraft closer to Earth, controllers can use remaining propellant to lower the orbit and accelerate reentry. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 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

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