cockpit

[ kok-pit ]

noun

1. a space, usually enclosed, in the forward fuselage of an airplane containing the flying controls, instrument panel, and seats for the pilot and copilot or flight crew.
2. a sunken, open area, generally in the after part of a small vessel, as a yacht, providing space for the pilot, part or all of the crew, or guests.
3. the space, including the seat and instrumentation, surrounding the driver of an automobile.
4. a pit or enclosed place for cockfights.
5. a place where a contest is fought or which has been the scene of many contests or battles.
6. (formerly) a space below the water line in a warship, occupied by the quarters of the junior officers and used as a dressing station for those wounded in action.

cockpit

/ ˈkɒkˌpɪt /

noun

1. the compartment in a small aircraft in which the pilot, crew, and sometimes the passengers sit Compare flight deck
2. the driver's compartment in a racing car
3. nautical
   1. an enclosed or recessed area towards the stern of a small vessel from which it is steered
   2. (formerly) an apartment in a warship used as quarters for junior officers and as a first-aid station during combat
4. the site of numerous battles or campaigns
5. an enclosure used for cockfights

Word History and Origins

Origin of cockpit¹

First recorded in 1580–90; cock ¹ + pit ¹

Example Sentences

Karol G’s private plane made an emergency landing at the Van Nuys Airport on Thursday night after the pilot reported smoke in the cockpit.

From Los Angeles Times

“From the cockpit,” he said, “it was very clear it was going to be a red flag or safety car, because the conditions were undriveable. The rain was not easing. I could see the black cloud above me.”

From BBC

“Outside the cockpit, Wileman made everyone smile,” officials with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island said.

From Los Angeles Times

Rivals had alerted the FIA to a device in the Red Bull cockpit that they believed could be used to adjust the height of the front of the car's floor.

From BBC

It’s not yet clear exactly who was flying, but if the pilot at the controls was instrument-rated, as Safai was, they would have been qualified to fly just by looking at the dials inside the cockpit.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• cabin
• compartment