remote control

American  

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.

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remote control British  

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

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Other Word Forms

• remote-control
  adjective
• remote-controlled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of remote control

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Sharper Image Bumper Rivals Remote control bumper cars go head-to-head, ejecting characters from cars with fun sound effects when bumped in this fun driving game for ages 6 and up.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 16, 2023

Remote control vehicles What about the introduction of small remote control vehicles to collect field thrown equipment?

From BBC • Aug. 9, 2012

Remote control interlude: A real life fire-breathing dragon.

From Washington Post • May 3, 2012

Remote control in hand, he could rewind and repeat any play, in slow motion if he chose, before moving onto the next clip with the push of a button.

From Washington Post • Nov. 12, 2010

Remote control would have been too slow, the argument went on.

From Watchbird by Emshwiller, Ed