control surface

noun

: a movable airfoil designed to change the attitude of an aircraft

Examples of control surface 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.
Grid fins are lattice-style control surfaces that help steer rockets back down through the atmosphere toward their landing zones, helping to reduce the possible risk of damage or a crash. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 18 Aug. 2025 Pointer also took swabs from control surfaces, including a public toilet seat and a flush button to compare. Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 9 July 2025 The museum worked with American Airlines mechanics to remove those control surfaces. Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 26 June 2025 The Praetor 600’s Active Turbulence Reduction System is an industry first, monitoring wind and weather and automatically adjusting control surfaces in real-time. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for control surface

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of control surface was in 1910

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Control surface.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/control%20surface. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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