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

• control
• regulator

Examples of controller in a Sentence

the controllers for the video game system seem fairly well designed

Recent Examples on the Web

Following that, the company may reveal a new line of peripherals, including a Pro controller. —Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025

After numerous rumors and leaks, Nintendo finally revealed its successor to the Switch console, the Switch 2, which features a larger screen and upgraded controllers. —Michael Kan, PCMAG, 16 Jan. 2025

The joysticks and controller covers come in light blue and red variations. —Ryan Browne, CNBC, 16 Jan. 2025

Will the Switch 2 support the original Switch Pro controller or the original Switch Joy-Cons in wireless mode? —Ash Parrish, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025

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

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