pilot
PEYE-luht
Pilot (noun) means a person who operates the controls of an aircraft. Example: “The pilot announced a smooth descent into Heathrow.”
noun
1
A person who operates the controls of an aircraft.
"The pilot announced a smooth descent into Heathrow."
"The pilot asked the passengers to fasten their seatbelts before the plane hit turbulence."
"My uncle trained for years to become an airline pilot."
2
A person who guides ships through a difficult or unfamiliar stretch of water, such as a harbour.
"A local pilot boarded the tanker to guide it into port."
"Only a harbour pilot knows where the sandbanks shift in this narrow channel."
"The captain waited for the pilot to climb aboard before entering the river mouth."
3
A trial episode produced to test whether a TV series should be made.
"The network ordered a full season after the pilot tested well with audiences."
"The writers were nervous because the pilot would decide the show's future."
"Nobody expected the pilot of that comedy to become so popular."
verb
1
To fly or steer a vehicle, or to test something out before a full rollout.
"She has piloted small planes since she was eighteen."
"The company piloted the new software with one department first."
"The council will pilot the new recycling scheme in two neighbourhoods before extending it."
How to use pilot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who flies planes or steers ships, a trial run of something (like a TV episode or programme), or the verb meaning to steer or test.
Common pairings
airline pilot
pilot episode
pilot a scheme
pilot light
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Word forms
- Plural
- pilots
- Third person singular
- pilots
- Past tense
- piloted
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The _____ announced a smooth descent into Heathrow.
Etymology
From French pilot, ultimately traced to an Ancient Greek word for the blade of an oar — the same root behind "rudder"-related words in Greek.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for pilot
See all rhymes for pilot →Frequently asked questions
What does “pilot” mean?
The word “pilot” means a person who operates the controls of an aircraft. In plain terms, someone who flies planes or steers ships, a trial run of something (like a TV episode or programme), or the verb meaning to steer or test.
How do you pronounce “pilot”?
“Pilot” is pronounced PEYE-luht (/ˈpaɪ̯.lət/ in IPA).
How do you use “pilot” in a sentence?
Here is “pilot” used in a sentence: “The pilot announced a smooth descent into Heathrow.”
What part of speech is “pilot”?
Depending on how it is used, “pilot” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pilot” come from?
The word “pilot” comes from Ancient Greek. From French pilot, ultimately traced to an Ancient Greek word for the blade of an oar — the same root behind "rudder"-related words in Greek.
Is “pilot” a common word?
“Pilot” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pilot” have?
“Pilot” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a person who operates the controls of an aircraft.
What does a pilot do?
A pilot operates the controls of an aircraft, guiding it safely from takeoff to landing. The job includes planning the route, checking weather and fuel, communicating with air traffic control, monitoring instruments, and responding to problems in flight. On airliners, two pilots usually share these duties as a team.
How do you become a pilot?
Becoming a pilot means logging flight hours with a certified instructor and passing written exams, medical checks, and practical flight tests to earn a license. Those aiming for the airlines build hours and ratings, often starting with a private license, then a commercial one, and finally an airline transport certificate.
What is the difference between a pilot and a co-pilot?
The pilot in command, often called the captain, holds final authority and responsibility for the flight. The co-pilot, or first officer, is a fully qualified pilot who shares the flying and monitoring duties and can take control when needed. They work as a team and often swap roles leg by leg.
What are the different types of pilots?
Pilots specialize in different areas. Airline pilots fly scheduled passenger and cargo jets; commercial pilots handle charters, aerial work, or sightseeing flights; military pilots fly for the armed forces; and private pilots fly for personal reasons. Test pilots and helicopter pilots are further specialized roles within the profession.
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