air traffic control

noun

: the process or system by which the movements of aircraft are monitored and directed by ground personnel communicating with pilots by radio
improving the technology used for air traffic control
also : the personnel who operate an air traffic control system
Pilots would still have to file flight plans, which could be modified by air traffic control if they posed any safety hazards. David R. Hinson

Examples of air traffic control 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.
Before the crash, air traffic control audio captures the pilots requesting an altitude range — known as a block altitude — to maneuver the airplane. Pete Muntean, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2025 Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the impasse, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues. Kaycee Sloan, Cincinnati Enquirer, 15 Oct. 2025 Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the shutdown, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues. Dan Basso, Freep.com, 15 Oct. 2025 Parts of the travel sector have been strained by the shutdown, with delays growing at some airports amid air traffic control staffing issues. Nathan Diller, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for air traffic control

Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air traffic control was in 1919

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Air traffic control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20control. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!