First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1pilot
noun pi·lot \ˈpī-lət\
: a person who flies an airplane, helicopter, etc.
: a person who steers or guides a ship into and out of a port or in dangerous waters
: 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
Full 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
3
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
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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
2pilot
verb
: to fly (an airplane, spacecraft, etc.)
: to steer or guide (a ship)
Full Definition of PILOT
transitive verb
1
: to act as a guide to : lead or conduct over a usually difficult course
2
a : to set and conn the course of <pilot a ship> b : to act as pilot of <pilot a plane>
See pilot defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PILOT
1613
Related to PILOT
Synonym Discussion of PILOT
guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.
3pilot
adjective
: done as a test to see if a larger program, study, etc., should be done
Full Definition of PILOT
: serving as a guiding or tracing device, an activating or auxiliary unit, or a trial apparatus or operation <a pilot study>
See pilot defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PILOT
1915
Related to PILOT
- Synonyms
- developmental, experimental, trial
PILOT Defined for Kids
1pilot
noun pi·lot \ˈpī-lət\
Definition of PILOT for Kids
1
: a person who flies an aircraft
2
: a person who steers a ship
3
: a person especially qualified to guide ships into and out of a port or in dangerous waters
2pilot
verb
pi·lot·edpi·lot·ing
Definition of PILOT for Kids
1
: to fly (an airplane)
2
: to steer or guide (a boat)
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