pilot

[ pahy-luht ]

noun

1. a person duly qualified to steer ships into or out of a harbor or through certain difficult waters.
2. a person who steers a ship.

   Synonyms: helmsperson

3. Aeronautics. a person duly qualified to operate an airplane, balloon, or other aircraft.
4. a guide or leader:

   the pilot of the expedition.

5. coast pilot ( def 1 ).
6. pilot light ( def 1 ).
7. Machinery. a guide for centering or otherwise positioning two adjacent parts, often consisting of a projection on one part fitting into a recess in the other.
8. Railroads. cowcatcher.
9. Also called pi·lot film [pahy, -l, uh, t film],. Television. a prototypical filmed or taped feature, produced with hopes of network adoption as a television series and aired to test potential viewer interest and attract sponsors.
10. a preliminary or experimental trial or test:

    The school will offer a pilot of its new computer course.

verb (used with object)

1. to steer.
2. to lead, guide, or conduct, as through unknown places, intricate affairs, etc.
3. to act as pilot on, in, or over.

   Synonyms: manage, maneuver

4. to be in charge of or responsible for:

   We're looking for someone to pilot the new project.

adjective

1. serving as an experimental or trial undertaking prior to full-scale operation or use:

   a pilot project.

pilot

/ ˈpaɪlət /

noun

1. 1. a person who is qualified to operate an aircraft or spacecraft in flight
   2. ( as modifier )

      pilot error

2. 1. a person who is qualified to steer or guide a ship into or out of a port, river mouth, etc
   2. ( as modifier )

      a pilot ship

3. a person who steers a ship
4. a person who acts as a leader or guide
5. machinery a guide, often consisting of a tongue or dowel, used to assist in joining two mating parts together
6. machinery a plug gauge for measuring an internal diameter
7. films a colour test strip accompanying black-and-white rushes from colour originals
8. an experimental programme on radio or television
9. See pilot film
10. modifier used in or serving as a test or trial

    a pilot project

11. modifier serving as a guide

    a pilot beacon

verb

1. to act as pilot of
2. to control the course of
3. to guide or lead (a project, people, etc)

Other Words From

• un·pi·lot·ed adjective
• well-pi·lot·ed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilot¹

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier pylotte, from Middle French pillotte, from Italian pilota, dissimilated variant of pedota, from unattested Medieval Greek pēdṓtēs “steersman,” equivalent to pēd(á) “rudder” (plural of pēdón “oar”) + -ōtēs agent suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilot¹

C16: from French pilote, from Medieval Latin pilotus, ultimately from Greek pēdon oar; related to Greek pous foot

Example Sentences

But they received a boost in 2020, when Los Angeles County approved a $14-million pilot program for land trusts to buy and rehabilitate properties across the county.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2012, Washington starred in “Flight,” a film about an alcoholic airline pilot whose drinking habits are thrust into the spotlight after a miraculous emergency landing renders him a hero.

From Los Angeles Times

I thought releasing a pilot would be a way to challenge myself, so I was like, all right, I’d love to play three different characters in a dysfunctional family show.

From Los Angeles Times

Through the pilot program, students at schools such as Mililani High School in Oahu were able to sample various healthy, less processed dishes and give their personal feedback on menu choices.

From Salon

Some travellers commenting on social media said they had been told that pilots were unable to generate loading data for their aircraft and have been struggling to get through to colleagues by phone.

From BBC

Related Words

• aviator
• captain
• flier
• leader
• navigator