joystick
2 synonyms for joystick, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A hand-operated lever used to control machinery, video games, or aircraft.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
control stick
How to use joystick
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
grip the joystick
joystick controller
Etymology
From joy plus stick, first recorded around 1910 as "joy-stick" for an airplane's control stick. The exact connection to "joy" isn't clear.
Full origin of joystick →Frequently asked questions
What does “joystick” mean?
The word “joystick” means a hand-operated lever used to control machinery, video games, or aircraft. In plain terms, a control lever, most familiar today from video game controllers and flight sticks.
How do you pronounce “joystick”?
“Joystick” is pronounced JOY-stihk (/ˈd͡ʒɔɪ.stɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “joystick” in a sentence?
Here is “joystick” used in a sentence: “He steered the drone using a small joystick.”
What part of speech is “joystick”?
“Joystick” is a noun.
Where does the word “joystick” come from?
The word “joystick” dates back to around 1910. From joy plus stick, first recorded around 1910 as "joy-stick" for an airplane's control stick. The exact connection to "joy" isn't clear.
