Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

pilot study

British  

noun

  1. a small-scale experiment or set of observations undertaken to decide how and whether to launch a full-scale project

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Now, a new scan technique may help spot the condition earlier, a pilot study at Oxford University suggests.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

A 2025 pilot study found that directed somatic movement interventions helped improve body awareness and spine mobility in older adults.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

She was part of a two-person pilot study on the new therapeutic approach published in 2022.

From Slate • Dec. 18, 2025

The pilot study, supported by Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, is being closely watched by managers of several large water agencies in Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 21, 2025

I was a pilot study on the Nowhere Journey.

From Voyage To Eternity by Marlowe, Stephen

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "pilot study" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com