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

One of the earlier entrants into this space, Google’s Chromecast streaming device underwent a significant transformation this generation with the addition of a remote control and a proper user interface.

From Ars Technica

Relief that they no longer have to reach for the remote control or close their browser every time the president speaks.

From Washington Post

If you’re on a budget, consider the Majority Bowfell Small Sound Bar—it’s compact, relatively powerful, and it comes with a remote control and all the cables you’ll need to get up and running.

From Popular-Science

It connects to Alexa and Google Assistant, as well as the specifically designed eufyHome app where you can set cleaning schedules, direct the clean with remote control, receive notifications, and locate your robot.

From Popular-Science

Add a remote control, and that image is awfully close to what we’ve become as pop culture consumers.

From Washington Post

The remote control contains mode selections for standing, walking, sitting, and stair up and down modes that the user can select.

From The Daily Beast

A former Malaysian prime minister even suggested that the airplane had been abducted by the CIA by remote control.

From The Daily Beast

She switched from subject to subject the way someone might flick the channels of a television remote control.

From The Daily Beast

He handed me the signing thing so I handed him the remote control so I could hold and sign signing thing.

From The Daily Beast

Walked into living room and realised I was holding signy thing and he had my remote control.

From The Daily Beast

At first I thought he was just a remote-control tool, but I finally saw that he was a real, honest-to-goodness robot.

From Project Gutenberg

"The Luck getting in its dirty work by remote control," supplied the irrepressible Val.

From Project Gutenberg

The stores of Hunter and Nereid rockets—especially the remote-control jobs—were broken out.

From Project Gutenberg

Two freight-rockets came in, picked up by radar and guided to landings by remote control.

From Project Gutenberg

Remote control of the computer from up to eight experimental locations is possible using inexpensive switch panels (Figure 3).

From Project Gutenberg