aviator

American  

[ey-vee-ey-ter, av-ee-] / ˈeɪ viˌeɪ tər, ˈæv i- /

noun

1. a pilot of an airplane or other heavier-than-air aircraft.

2. aviators, aviator glasses.

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aviator British  

/ ˈeɪvɪˌeɪtə /

noun

1. old-fashioned the pilot of an aeroplane or airship; flyer

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Other Word Forms

• aviatrix noun

Etymology

Origin of aviator

1885–90; < French aviateur. See aviation ( def. ), -eur ( def. )

Example Sentences

“The weather broke just enough, clearing a path that only the most skilled aviators in the world could maneuver through,” said Caine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most practically, the U.S. needs more naval aviators.

From The Wall Street Journal

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association union, called for better communication with aviators, flight dispatchers and airlines so they can better plan for rocket launches.

From The Wall Street Journal

I plan on making a squirrel in an aviator cap sitting on a toilet-plane.

From Literature

His red T-shirt stated plainly, “I AM UNDOCUMENTED,” and his aviator sunglasses hid the occasional tears.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• flier
• navigator
• pilot