air traffic controller

noun

: a person who is responsible for remotely monitoring and directing the movements of aircraft as part of a system of air traffic control

Examples of air traffic controller 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.
Government employees who are deemed essential — like TSA agents and air traffic controllers — have continued to work, though they won't get paid until the government reopens. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025 Employees deemed essential to public safety, including military personnel, law enforcement officers, border patrol and air traffic controllers, are required to work regardless. Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 18 Oct. 2025 The flyers warn that the ongoing shutdown is exacerbating issues caused by the nationwide air traffic controllers’ staffing shortage. AFAR Media, 17 Oct. 2025 Despite the funding impasse, essential federal employees including Transportation Security Administration officers and air traffic controllers are required to work without pay. Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for air traffic controller

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air traffic controller was in 1922

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Cite this Entry

“Air traffic controller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20controller. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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