cybernetics

noun

cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈne-tiks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (such as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic
ˌsī-bər-ˈne-tik How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adjective
or less commonly cybernetical
ˌsī-bər-ˈne-ti-kəl How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
cybernetically
ˌsī-bər-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adverb

Examples of cybernetics in a Sentence

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.
Yeah; this this comes from Dan Davies, who’s a British writer, investment analyst, and basically a cybernetics-and-systems-theory guy. — Charlie Warzel, The Atlantic, 19 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek kybernētēs pilot, governor (from kybernan to steer, govern) + English -ics

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cybernetics was in 1948

Rhymes for cybernetics

See All Rhymes for cybernetics

Browse Nearby Words

cyberneticist
cybernetics
cyberporn
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Cite this Entry

“Cybernetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybernetics. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

cybernetics

noun
cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
: a science concerned especially with studies comparing automatic control systems (as that of the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic
-ˈnet-ik How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

cybernetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic
-ik How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adjective
also cybernetical
-i-kəl How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
cybernetically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cybernetics

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cybernetics

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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