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
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The industry also needs engineers, cabin crew members and air traffic controllers. Madeline Montgomery, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 The 30-month research program known as Operation Blue Skies includes test periods this winter and next, when air traffic controllers will tell some flights to deviate up to 2,000 feet (610 meters) to avoid areas where contrails are likely to form. ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Audio of the incident obtained by AP News and CBS News reveals the quick-thinking air traffic controller discussing the shocking event with the pilots. Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 17 Aug. 2026 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 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 Aug. 2026.

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