cybernetics

noun

cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈne-tiks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (such as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic
ˌsī-bər-ˈne-tik How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adjective
or less commonly cybernetical
ˌsī-bər-ˈne-ti-kəl How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
cybernetically
ˌsī-bər-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adverb

Examples of cybernetics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Researchers’ experiment melded two fields that have track records of success: optogentics and cybernetics. — Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2014 Or Harrison Gilbertson’s pallid, shy cybernetics visionary Eron Keen in Upgrade, also from 2018. — Vulture, 11 Jan. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Greek kybernētēs pilot, governor (from kybernan to steer, govern) + English -ics

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cybernetics was in 1948

Rhymes for cybernetics

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cybernetics
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Cite this Entry

“Cybernetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybernetics. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

cybernetics

noun
cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
: a science concerned especially with studies comparing automatic control systems (as that of the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic
-ˈnet-ik How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adjective

Medical Definition

cybernetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic
-ik How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adjective
also cybernetical
-i-kəl How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
cybernetically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cybernetics

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cybernetics

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