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

While problems like these can happen at control towers across the country, the deadly collision has put a spotlight on Reagan National Airport, according to Dave Riley, who worked as an air traffic controller for more than 30 years. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

As the plane sped down the runway, air traffic controllers and a witness on the ground noticed sparks coming from near its wheels. — Gillian Telling, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026

Israeli carrier El Al has gained ground in Miami, Colombian airline Avianca has added flights in Broward and air traffic controllers are going digital. — Jeff Kleinman, Miami Herald, 12 Aug. 2026

About 25% of air traffic controllers have a traditional college degree, according to the FAA. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for air traffic controller

• ambipolar
• areolar
• bronchiolar
• circumpolar
• equimolar
• monopolar
• multipolar
• nucleolar
• unipolar
• vacuolar
• arteriolar
• microcontroller