joystick
noun
joy·stick ˈjȯi-ˌstik 
1
: a lever in an airplane that operates the elevators by a fore-and-aft motion and the ailerons by a side-to-side motion
2
: a control for any of various devices (such as a computer) that resembles an airplane's joystick especially in being capable of motion in two or more directions
Example Sentences
This game works with either a mouse or joystick.
Recent Examples on the Web Moving Crankin forward and backward through time is easier to perfectly control with a rigid crank than with either a joystick or analog triggers. 
Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2022 An operator uses a joystick or a keyboard to command a machine to defuse a bomb or assemble widgets. David Montgomery, Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2021 But, the joystick was perceived as an easier control for a beginner to learn the game. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 26 May 2022 Whitewater Wipeout relies on the crank in a way that would be difficult to replicate with a joystick. Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2022 With a 5-month wait time for key parts, Morgado began experimenting with creating his own joystick. Zenger News, Forbes, 14 May 2022 Users will also be able to further customize the buttons with other accessories called button toppers, including a joystick and a D-pad—the four-way directional control usually used on videogame console controllers. Katie Deighton, WSJ, 11 May 2022 The client, who is an experienced yachtsman, also opted for a joystick coupled to the transmissions, as well as bow and stern thrusters. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 May 2022 Each sub is also fitted with a simplistic Manta Controller—kind of like a joystick—which passengers are able to use under pilot supervision. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2022 See More
Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2022 An operator uses a joystick or a keyboard to command a machine to defuse a bomb or assemble widgets. David Montgomery, Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2021 But, the joystick was perceived as an easier control for a beginner to learn the game. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 26 May 2022 Whitewater Wipeout relies on the crank in a way that would be difficult to replicate with a joystick. Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, 18 Apr. 2022 With a 5-month wait time for key parts, Morgado began experimenting with creating his own joystick. Zenger News, Forbes, 14 May 2022 Users will also be able to further customize the buttons with other accessories called button toppers, including a joystick and a D-pad—the four-way directional control usually used on videogame console controllers. Katie Deighton, WSJ, 11 May 2022 The client, who is an experienced yachtsman, also opted for a joystick coupled to the transmissions, as well as bow and stern thrusters. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 3 May 2022 Each sub is also fitted with a simplistic Manta Controller—kind of like a joystick—which passengers are able to use under pilot supervision. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
perhaps from English slang joystick penis
First Known Use
1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
joystick
noun
joy·stick ˈjȯi-ˌstik
: a control lever (as for a computer display or an airplane) capable of motion in two or more directions