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.
Essential federal employees, including TSA officers and air traffic controllers, are continuing to work without pay. Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 4 Oct. 2025 More than a month into the last government shutdown, in 2019, a few air traffic controllers finally reached their breaking point. Joel Rose, NPR, 2 Oct. 2025 These include air traffic controllers, maintenance of navigational aids, flight standards, hazardous materials inspections, air traffic safety oversight, accident investigators, and airport inspectors. Michael Cappetta, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2025 Government employees who are deemed essential — like TSA agents and air traffic controllers — will continue to work, though they won't get paid until the government is reopened, which could cause staffing shortages and travel delays if employees refuse to show up for shifts. Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 1 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 5 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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