air traffic controller

noun

: a person who is responsible for remotely monitoring and directing the movements of aircraft as part of a system of air traffic control

Examples of air traffic controller in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The data, known as ADS-B Out, is considered one of the most accurate ways to determine a plane’s location, and the Federal Aviation Administration required jets to adopt it by 2020 to help air traffic controllers avoid collisions. — Rebecca Ellis, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 The crew followed normal procedures when alerting air traffic controllers about the issue, Delta said in its statement. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 The new tower will be about 50 feet taller than the existing structure and will feature modern technologies designed to improve visibility, communications, operational efficiency and safety for air traffic controllers and airport users. — Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 27 Aug. 2026 But the air traffic controller said that transmission appeared broken and unreadable on his end, so the controller seemed surprised a few minutes later when the helicopter took off. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for air traffic controller

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of air traffic controller was in 1922

Rhymes for air traffic controller

See All Rhymes for air traffic controller

Browse Nearby Words

air traffic control
air traffic controller
air train
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Cite this Entry

“Air traffic controller.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/air%20traffic%20controller. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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