cockpit

noun

cock·​pit ˈkäk-ˌpit How to pronounce cockpit (audio)
1
a
: a pit or enclosure for cockfights
b
: a place noted for especially bloody, violent, or long-continued conflict
2
obsolete : the pit of a theater
3
: a compartment in a sailing warship used as quarters for junior officers and for treatment of the wounded in an engagement
4
: a space or compartment in a usually small vehicle (such as a boat, airplane, or automobile) from which it is steered, piloted, or driven see airplane illustration

Examples of cockpit 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.
Numerals and markers filled with Super-LumiNova ensure a high legibility akin to the instruments of an aircraft cockpit (or Defender dash even). Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2026 Pilots talk in the cockpit, and my dad heard too many stories from other pilots and air crew about in-flight theft to let his wife and daughters fall victim to something that could be avoided. Kristy Alpert, Travel + Leisure, 29 Dec. 2025 The cockpit opens up, with room for three minifigures inside, and there's a rear door that opens up to allow Black Widow's motorcycle to drive in and out. Kim Snaith, Space.com, 29 Dec. 2025 In the cockpit, Shirley Red 1 was suddenly engulfed in blinding light. Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cockpit

Word History

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of cockpit was in 1556

Cite this Entry

“Cockpit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cockpit. Accessed 7 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

cockpit

noun
cock·​pit ˈkäk-ˌpit How to pronounce cockpit (audio)
: a space or compartment in a usually small vehicle (as a boat, airplane, or automobile) from which it is steered, piloted, or driven

More from Merriam-Webster on cockpit

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!