controller
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for controller, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A handheld device used to operate a video game or machine.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use controller
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman contreroulour, from Medieval Latin contrarotulator — a doublet of comptroller, and formed from control plus -er.
Full origin of controller →Frequently asked questions
What does “controller” mean?
The word “controller” means a handheld device used to operate a video game or machine. In plain terms, a device for operating something, or the person/system that oversees and regulates it.
How do you pronounce “controller”?
“Controller” is pronounced kuhn-TROH-luh (/kənˈtɹoʊlɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “controller” in a sentence?
Here is “controller” used in a sentence: “He plugged in a second controller so his friend could play too.”
What is another word for “controller”?
Words with a similar meaning to “controller” include comptroller.
What part of speech is “controller”?
“Controller” is a noun.
Where does the word “controller” come from?
The word “controller” comes from Medieval Latin. From Anglo-Norman contreroulour, from Medieval Latin contrarotulator — a doublet of comptroller, and formed from control plus -er.
Is “controller” a common word?
“Controller” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “controller” have?
“Controller” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a handheld device used to operate a video game or machine.
What is the difference between a "controller" and a "comptroller"?
"Controller" and "comptroller" refer to essentially the same senior finance role overseeing an organization's accounts; "comptroller" is an older, more formal spelling used mainly in government and some large institutions. The two are pronounced the same way, both sounding like "controller."
What is the difference between a "controller" and a "gamepad"?
A "controller" is the general term for any handheld device used to operate a video game or machine, while a "gamepad" specifically refers to a flat controller held in both hands with buttons and thumbsticks. Every gamepad is a controller, but controllers also include joysticks, steering wheels, and other devices.
What does a "controller" do in a company?
A "controller" is a senior finance officer who oversees a company's accounts, including bookkeeping, financial reporting, and internal controls. The role commonly reports to the chief financial officer and focuses on the accuracy of financial records.