# ctrl

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ctrl
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. keyboard key

noun · CEFR B1 · Technical

Stands for Control. The key on your computer keyboard that you hold down while pressing another key to make a shortcut.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Control. A modifier key on a computer keyboard which, when held down, changes the function of another key pressed simultaneously.

- To save your document quickly, just press the Ctrl and S keys together.
- The user manual explains that holding Ctrl while clicking the link will open the webpage in a new background tab.

Usage: Usually written as 'Ctrl' on the physical key and in technical instructions; pronounced as the full word 'control'.

### 2. personal power or mastery

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

A slang way to talk about having power over a situation or being very good at something.

For teachers: A slang or informal extension of the computing term, referring to a state of mastery, dominance, or being in charge of a situation.

- She has total ctrl over the project and knows exactly what to do.
- After months of practice, the athlete finally felt she had complete ctrl over her technique during high-pressure competitions.

Teaching tip: This sense is a stylistic spelling choice often found in digital culture or social media; learners should use the standard spelling 'control' in all professional contexts.

## Examples

- Hold down ctrl and press C to copy the text.
- If the program stops responding, you can try pressing ctrl, alt, and delete at the same time to open the task manager.
- Advanced users often rely on ctrl-based shortcuts to navigate the interface without a mouse, significantly increasing their productivity during complex coding or editing tasks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.