remote control

noun

1. control of the operation or performance of an apparatus from a distance, as the control of a guided missile by radio signals.
2. Also called remote. a device used to control the operation of an apparatus or machine, as a television set, from a distance.

remote control

noun

1. control of a system or activity by a person at a different place, usually by means of radio or ultrasonic signals or by electrical signals transmitted by wire
2. Also:remote a hand-held device that enables remote control of a system or appliance

Derived Forms

• reˈmote-conˈtrolled, adjective

Other Words From

• re·mote-con·trol adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of remote control¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Imagine watching a television where an impolite houseguest holds the remote control and arbitrarily changes the channels.

From Salon

His partner Goldy Brar, also a co-accused in the Moose Wala killing, runs the gang by remote control from Canada, say the police.

From BBC

If and when the war with Hezbollah was about to begin, these explosives would be detonated by remote control, killing or injuring hundreds or thousands of Hezbollah’s fighters and destroying their communications networks.

From Slate

In the carcass of one burnt-out home, a board game rests on top of a coffee table, next to a melted television remote control.

From BBC

In January 2005, the company released the ZP100, a device with a remote control that allowed people to stream music through their computers.

From Los Angeles Times