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 exercise also brought F-18 simulators and an E-2D Hawkeye controller into the same virtual mission from a fifth location. — Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 22 Sep. 2026

The National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the union that represents controllers, distanced itself from the new system. — Joel Rose, NPR, 21 Sep. 2026

In fact, three times more Philly residents than New Yorkers died in traffic crashes in 2024, according to a report from the Philadelphia city controller’s office based on the most recent data available. — D. Alex Quistberg, The Conversation, 21 Sep. 2026

The new tower, expected to open in about 22 months, will be 50 feet taller, allowing controllers better visuals of the entire runway for incoming planes. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 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