noun
cybernetics
sy-buh-NET-iks
Cybernetics (noun) means the study of communication and control in living things and machines. Example: “She studied cybernetics before moving into robotics.”
noun
1
The study of communication and control in living things and machines.
"She studied cybernetics before moving into robotics."
"Cybernetics looks at how a system uses feedback to steer itself."
"The lecture compared control in animals with control in machines."
2
informal Technology built into or worn by a living body, such as bionic limbs.
"The soldier's arm was replaced with cybernetics."
"In the film, the hero has cybernetics fitted to both legs."
How to use cybernetics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe science of control and communication in living things and machines.
When to use it
The scientific sense is formal, while the sense meaning bionic parts is common in fiction.
Memory tip
Treat it as uncountable and use a singular verb, as in cybernetics is.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
study cybernetics
field of cybernetics
cybernetics research
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like cybernetics.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She studied _____ before moving into robotics.
Etymology
The word comes from Ancient Greek kubernetes, meaning steersman. It has been recorded since at least 1948, in Norbert Wiener's book Cybernetics.
Rhymes for cybernetics
See all rhymes for cybernetics →Frequently asked questions
What is cybernetics?
Cybernetics is the study of communication and control in living organisms and machines.
Where does the word cybernetics come from?
It comes from the Ancient Greek word for a steersman. It has been recorded since at least 1948.
Is cybernetics singular or plural?
It is an uncountable noun, so it takes a singular verb.
What is the meaning of cybernetics?
"cybernetics" (noun) means the study of communication and control in living things and machines.
