remote control

American  

noun

remote controls plural

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

Derived Forms

• remote-control
  adjective
• remote-controlled
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• remote controls
  plural

Etymology

Origin of remote control

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

In other words, many are either run by a human with a remote control or stuck doing one narrow task.

From Barron's • Jun. 18, 2026

The companies said radio-frequency sensors offered a common method to detect drones since most are flown within visual range using a radio remote control that communicates via radio frequency.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026

When he said he needed to take remote control of my computer, I knew I was talking to scammers, not PayPal.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 25, 2026

They used to spend time playing with remote control cars and helicopters.

From BBC • Feb. 27, 2026

“Ha-ha,” I say, heading for the remote control and the couch.

From "Watch Us Rise" by Renée Watson and Ellen Hagan