Word
joystick
Phoneticsjoy·stick, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdʒɔɪˌstɪk/
UK/dʒˈɔɪstɪk/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a small handle that you move to control the movement of a computer game or a plane. It is shaped like a stick and has buttons for extra control.
n. a control device consisting of a lever that can be moved in various directions to control the movement of a cursor or the direction of a vehicle. Often used in the context of flight simulation or video gaming.
Examples
“He moved the joystick to steer the plane.”
“The pilot adjusted the joystick slightly to maintain a steady altitude during the landing approach.”
“While modern flight simulators use sophisticated digital interfaces, many enthusiasts still prefer the tactile feedback of a physical joystick to replicate the mechanical resistance of a real aircraft's controls.”
Examples
simple
“He moved the joystick to steer the plane.”
contextual
“The pilot adjusted the joystick slightly to maintain a steady altitude during the landing approach.”
complex
“While modern flight simulators use sophisticated digital interfaces, many enthusiasts still prefer the tactile feedback of a physical joystick to replicate the mechanical resistance of a real aircraft's controls.”
Etymology
From joy + stick. First attested around 1910 (as joy-stick) as the control stick on an airplane. Its relation to the word joy is unclear.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/joystick