pilot

¹pi·lot

noun \ˈpī-lət\

Definition of PILOT

1

a : one employed to steer a ship : helmsman b : a person who is qualified and usually licensed to conduct a ship into and out of a port or in specified waters c : 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 2

— pi·lot·less \-ləs\ adjective

Examples of PILOT

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

Origin of PILOT

Middle 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: 1530

Related to PILOT

Synonyms: airman, aviator, birdman, flier (also flyer)

Related Words: ace, barnstormer, bush pilot, copilot, flyboy, test pilot; captain, skipper

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Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

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

Rhymes with PILOT

eyelet, islet, Pilate, stylet