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
2
:  guide, leader
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
6
:  pilot light 1
pi·lot·less \-ləs\ adjective
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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
First Known Use: 15th century

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

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

Rhymes with PILOT

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>

First Known Use of PILOT

1613

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>.

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

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

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>

First Known Use of PILOT

1915
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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