noun
Common
controller
kuhn-TROH-luh
Controller (noun) means a handheld device used to operate a video game or machine. Example: “The controller was low on battery, so she swapped it for another.”
noun
1
A handheld device used to operate a video game or machine.
"The controller was low on battery, so she swapped it for another."
"Pass me the controller and I will start the next level."
"He plugged in a second controller so his friend could play too."
2
A senior finance officer who oversees a company's accounts.
"As controller, she signs off the monthly accounts."
"The firm hired a new controller to tighten its financial reporting."
"The company's controller reviewed every department's budget."
3
A device or system that regulates the operation of a machine.
"The controller keeps the greenhouse at a steady temperature all night."
"A motor controller slows the fan when the room cools down."
"A small controller adjusts the thermostat automatically."
How to use controller
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA device for operating something, or the person/system that oversees and regulates it.
Common pairings
game controller
financial controller
flight controller
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Word forms
- Plural
- controllers
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The _____ was low on battery, so she swapped it for another.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman contreroulour, from Medieval Latin contrarotulator — a doublet of comptroller, and formed from control plus -er.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for controller
See all rhymes for 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.
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