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 adjective
or less commonly cybernetical
cybernetically adverb

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cybernetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybernetics. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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 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 adjective
also cybernetical
cybernetically adverb

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