plural pilots
1
: a person who flies an airplane, helicopter, etc.
an airline pilot
a fighter/bomber pilot
2
: a person who steers or guides a ship into and out of a port or in dangerous waters
3
: 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
4
pilots; piloted; piloting
1
: to fly (an airplane, spacecraft, etc.)
He is learning how to pilot a helicopter.
2
: to steer or guide (a ship)
He skillfully piloted the ship into port during the storm.
—often used figurativelyThe education bill was piloted through the House and Senate.
The hostess piloted us to our table.
a skillful manager who has piloted his team to the playoffs
always used before a noun
: done as a test to see if a larger program, study, etc., should be done
The group conducted a pilot program/project/study.
a pilot episode
Cite this Entry
“Pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pilot. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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