joystick

noun

joy·​stick ˈjȯi-ˌstik 

1

: a lever in an airplane that operates the elevators by a fore-and-aft motion and the ailerons by a side-to-side motion

2

: a control for any of various devices (such as a computer) that resembles an airplane's joystick especially in being capable of motion in two or more directions

Examples of joystick in a Sentence

This game works with either a mouse or joystick.

Recent Examples on the Web

Look to the rear for AF-ON/1, Magnify/2, Exposure Lock (*)/3, Info, Q, Play, Delete, and Set buttons, as well as a joystick to set the focus point and navigate through menus, and the combination EV control wheel and four-way d-pad. — Jim Fisher, PC Magazine, 17 July 2026

The joystick of the device can be used for navigation, while the rotary dial adjusts an AI agent’s reasoning level. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

The joystick and dial can also be used to start common workflows and adjust reasoning level, respectively, and OpenAI says all controls are configurable from the ChatGPT desktop app. — Robert Hart, The Verge, 15 July 2026

Other upgrades include Starlink high-speed broadband, NACS fast charging, joystick control, and software that allows an owner to manage features from a smartphone. — Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 16 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from English slang joystick penis

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for joystick

• broomstick
• dipstick
• homesick
• lipstick
• nonstick
• pickwick
• picnic
• redbrick
• seasick
• sidekick
• slapstick
• toothpick

Kids Definition

joystick

noun

joy·​stick -ˌstik 

: a control lever for a device (as a computer display or an airplane) that allows motion in two or more directions