remote

1 of 2

adjective

re·​mote ri-ˈmōt How to pronounce remote (audio)
remoter; remotest
1
: separated by an interval or space greater than usual
an involucre remote from the flower
2
: far removed in space, time, or relation : divergent
the remote past
comments remote from the truth
3
: out-of-the-way, secluded
a remote cabin in the hills
4
: being, relating to, or involving a means of doing or using something indirectly or from a distance: such as
a
: using or involving a network connection between computers or systems in different locations
a remote workforce
remote learning
files stored on remote servers
Just think about if an employee has an issue with their laptop—you'll need a remote desktop tool to take control of their machine to try and diagnose the issue.Lisa Ardill
b
: being or relating to a means of collecting data about something (such as an object or an area) from a distance (as by using radar or photography)
Using remote cameras, researchers got photos of 18 ocelots over an eight-year period.Tony Davis
Using up to three remote sensors, the unit gives you indoor and outdoor temperature and humidity.Cliff Gromer
Satellite remote sensing offers a step change in our ability to map and monitor the extent of Antarctica's terrestrial biosphere.Andrew Gray et al.
see also remote access, remote control, remote controlled
5
: not arising from a primary or proximate action
6
: small in degree : slight
a remote possibility
hadn't the remotest idea of what was going on
7
: distant in manner : aloof
remoteness noun

remote

2 of 2

noun

1
: a radio or television program or a portion of a program originating outside the studio
2

Examples of remote in a Sentence

Adjective She enjoys reading about remote lands. The mission is to transport medical supplies to remote areas of the globe. a tradition that dates back to remote antiquity an invention that may be available in the remote future There is a remote possibility that I'll be free Friday night.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The company provided clients with software tools and access to remote devices to test mobile applications. Between April 2017 and April 2020, HeadSpin raised more than $100 million from investors. Jason Green, The Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2024 End your day with a refreshing dip at a remote beach. Helen Iatrou, Travel + Leisure, 20 Apr. 2024 In addition, the shift to remote work caused as much as a 35% spike in demand for data-center usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, Tevfik Kosar, professor of computer science and engineering at the University at Buffalo, told ABC News. Max Zahn, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2024 Despite its remote locale, modern creature comforts are not forgotten and include a spacious state-of-the-art kitchen. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 19 Apr. 2024 This position is eligible for remote work with a supervisor’s approval, according to the city website. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 19 Apr. 2024 Before the hurricane, the birds were released into remote corners of El Yunque. David Schechter, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2024 While some may thrive in a corporate environment, others may find fulfillment in freelancing, entrepreneurship, or remote work. Ebony Flake, Essence, 8 Apr. 2024 David is recruited by the Vatican’s secret service to ‘remote view’ a paranormal ability to see the unseen in order to detect evil. James Hibberd, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
Noun
Utility bills go down, as does time spent fiddling with the remote trying to get the heater to behave. K. Thor Jensen, PCMAG, 26 Mar. 2024 They can be powered with AAA batteries or an AC adaptor and come with an electronic remote. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 8 Mar. 2024 One particularly nice touch is the powered focus, controlled through the remote. PCMAG, 27 Mar. 2024 In addition to the eye-catching colors, these baby-safe keys have a realistic design and a functional remote that emits car sounds and turns on a flashlight. Julie Evans, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 It is solely powered by an app, rather than a remote. Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 1 Mar. 2024 Firstly, the company had regularly openly praised the productivity benefits of remote working among its staff. Ryan Hogg, Fortune Europe, 24 Feb. 2024 But with a contentious presidential election coming up, lately she’s been reluctant to pick up the remote. Deborah Netburn, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2024 The spray works well on toys, remotes, pet items, and even fabric. Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'remote.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin remotus, from past participle of removēre to remove

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1937, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of remote was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near remote

Cite this Entry

“Remote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remote. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

remote

1 of 2 adjective
re·​mote ri-ˈmōt How to pronounce remote (audio)
remoter; remotest
1
: far removed in place, time, or relation
remote countries
remote ages
remote cousins
2
: secluded sense 1
a remote valley
3
: acting, acted on, or controlled indirectly or from a distance
remote computer operation
4
: small in degree : slight
a remote possibility
5
: distant in manner : aloof
remotely adverb
remoteness noun

remote

2 of 2 noun

Legal Definition

remote

adjective
re·​mote
remoter; remotest
1
a
: far removed in space, time, or relation
ancestors of a more remote degree
b
: exceeding the time allowed under the rule against perpetuities for the vesting of interests
the residuary clause…violates the rule against remote vestingEstate of Grove, 70 Cal. App. 3d 355 (1977)
also : being in violation of the rule against perpetuities
a remote contingent estate
2
: acting, acted on, or controlled indirectly or from a distance
3
a
: not proximate or acting directly
b
: not arising from the effect of that which is proximate
4
: small in degree
a remote possibility of paternity
remotely adverb
remoteness noun

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