test pilot

noun

: a pilot who specializes in putting new or experimental airplanes through maneuvers designed to test them (as for strength) by producing strains in excess of normal

Examples of test pilot in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After a test pilot taxied the aircraft from a hangar at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center, the X-59 jet took off and landed at Edwards Air Force Base in California. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2026

After serving in the military for 15 years — including as a Navy test pilot — he was selected by NASA for its 21st class of astronauts in 2013. — Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

European test pilots completed in-flight assessments of the aircraft in Shanghai in July, according to the South China Morning Post. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

The former test pilot’s signature weapon is the power ring, an artifact forged by the Guardians of the Universe — the founders of the Corps. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for test pilot

• autopilot
• eyelet
• islet
• stylet

Kids Definition

test pilot

noun

: a pilot who puts new aircraft through tests