What does joystick mean?
A joystick is a hand-held control device whose movement guides or operates something else. In an aircraft, a joystick or control column is moved to change the plane’s orientation, including its pitch and roll. In video games, the term commonly refers to a controller with a movable stick used to steer characters, vehicles, or cameras, although many modern games rely on directional buttons and analogue triggers instead. The word can also be used more broadly for similar controls in machinery and vehicles. “Joystick” is therefore both a technical aviation term and a familiar gaming term, usually carrying the practical implication of direct, continuous control.
nounA handle that is moved to control the movement or operation of a machine, vehicle, aircraft, or video game. In aviation, it is a control column used by the pilot to alter the aircraft’s orientation.
- A hand-operated device used to control the movement or operation of an aircraft, vehicle, machine, or video game.
- A vertical or near-vertical control column in an aircraft that the pilot moves to control pitch and roll.
"She moved the joystick gently to guide the aircraft through the clouds."
"The pilot pushed the joystick forward as the aircraft accelerated."
"The game allows players to steer using a joystick or a set of on-screen controls."
The plural is formed by adding the suffix -s.
"The technician tested several joysticks before the flight."
The word once described a simple stick for play; it later became a term for the control column used by pilots to fly an aircraft.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does joystick come from?
The word dates from the late 19th century, when “joy stick” referred to a stick or handle used for amusement. Aviation adopted the compound in the early 20th century for a pilot’s control column, probably because manipulating it brought a sense of pleasure or excitement. The modern gaming sense followed the development of joystick-controlled video games in the 20th century. Its first element is related to “joy” and the second to “stick,” both of which are long-established English words.
How joystick is actually used
In aviation, “joystick” is often used as an informal or general term, while “control column” or “control stick” is more technical. In computing and gaming, it usually refers to a hand-held input device with directional controls.
Easily confused with joystick
A joystick is a familiar term for a hand-operated game or aircraft controller, while control stick is the more technical aviation term for the same general kind of device.
A joystick rotates or pivots to provide directional control, whereas a lever generally moves through a more limited range about a fixed pivot.