pilot

play

noun pi·lot \ˈpī-lət\

Definition of pilot

1a : one employed to steer a ship : helmsmanb : a person who is qualified and usually licensed to conduct a ship into and out of a port or in specified watersc : a person who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft
2 : guide, leader
3 : cowcatcher
4 : a piece that guides a tool or machine part
5 : a television show produced and filmed or taped as a sample of a proposed series
6 : pilot light 1

pilotless

play \-ləs\ adjective

See pilot defined for English-language learners

See pilot defined for kids

Examples of pilot in a sentence

<the airline is seeking experienced pilots to fly the new airplane>

Origin and Etymology of pilot

Medieval French pilote, from Italian pilota, alteration of pedota, from Middle Greek *pēdōtēs, from Greek pēda steering oars, plural of pēdon oar; probably akin to Greek pod-, pous foot — more at foot

First Known Use: 15th century

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

pilot

verb pi·lot

Definition of pilot

transitive verb
1 : to act as a guide to : lead or conduct over a usually difficult course
2a : to set and conn the course of <pilot a ship>b : to act as pilot of <pilot a plane>

See pilot defined for English-language learners

Examples of pilot in a sentence

He is learning how to pilot a helicopter.
He skillfully piloted the ship into port during the storm.

1649

First Known Use of pilot

1649

Synonym Discussion of pilot

guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

pilot

adjective pi·lot

Definition of pilot

: serving as a guiding or tracing device, an activating or auxiliary unit, or a trial apparatus or operation <a pilot study>

See pilot defined for English-language learners

Examples of pilot in a sentence

The group conducted a pilot program.
<a new pilot program to train inner-city residents for jobs in the tech sector>

1915

First Known Use of pilot

1915

PILOT Defined for English Language Learners

pilot

play

noun pi·lot \ˈpī-lət\

Definition of pilot for English Language Learners

: a person who flies an airplane, helicopter, etc.
: a person who steers or guides a ship into and out of a port or in dangerous waters
: a single television show that is made as a test to see if a television series based on the show would be popular and successful

pilot

verb pi·lot

Definition of pilot for English Language Learners

: to fly (an airplane, spacecraft, etc.)
: to steer or guide (a ship)

pilot

adjective pi·lot

Definition of pilot for English Language Learners

: done as a test to see if a larger program, study, etc., should be done

PILOT Defined for Kids

pilot

play

noun pi·lot \ˈpī-lət\

Definition of pilot for Students

1 : a person who flies an aircraft
2 : a person who steers a ship
3 : a person especially qualified to guide ships into and out of a port or in dangerous waters