controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər  ˈkän-ˌtrō- 

1

a

: comptroller sense 1

b

: comptroller sense 2

c

: the chief accounting officer of a business enterprise or an institution (such as a college)

2

a

: one that controls or has power or authority to control

air traffic controller

b

: control sense 3a

controllership

kən-ˈtrō-lər-ˌship 

ˈkän-ˌtrō-

noun

Synonyms of controller

• regulator
• control

Examples of controller in a Sentence

the controllers for the video game system seem fairly well designed

Recent Examples on the Web

The Carlisle airport is uncontrolled airport, meaning there is no air traffic control tower or controllers on site. — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 19 Aug. 2026

While flight controllers managed to slow Link's tumble, issues continued to plague its pointing and positioning in orbit. — CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026

George Newcomb, who is serving as interim CFO, will continue in his role as controller and chief accounting officer. — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026

Priced at $549, the 2026 Polymega will include the console itself, one of Polymega’s second generation universal wireless controllers, a power adapter, an HDMI cable, a dust cover, plus a 1-year limited warranty. — Mitch Wallace, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English countreroller, from Anglo-French contreroulur, from contreroule

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing controller

• air traffic controller
• forward air controller

Rhymes for controller

• bipolar
• comptroller
• dipolar
• gaoler
• nonpolar
• premolar
• ambipolar
• areolar
• bronchiolar
• circumpolar
• equimolar
• monopolar

Kids Definition

controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər  ˈkän-ˌtrō-lər 

1

: the chief accounting officer of a business or institution

2

: a person who controls

an air traffic controller

3

: control entry 2 sense 3a

Legal Definition

controller

noun

con·​trol·​ler kən-ˈtrō-lər, ˈkän-ˌtrō- 

: comptroller