pilot

[pahy-luht]

noun

1. a person duly qualified to steer ships into or out of a harbor or through certain difficult waters.

2. a person who steers a ship.

   Synonyms: helmsperson

3. Aeronautics.,  a person duly qualified to operate an airplane, balloon, or other aircraft.

4. a guide or leader.

   the pilot of the expedition.

5. coast pilot.

6. pilot light.

7. Machinery.,  a guide for centering or otherwise positioning two adjacent parts, often consisting of a projection on one part fitting into a recess in the other.

8. Railroads.,  cowcatcher.

9. Also called pilot film. Also called pilot tape. Television.,  a prototypical filmed or taped feature, produced with hopes of network adoption as a television series and aired to test potential viewer interest and attract sponsors.

10. a preliminary or experimental trial or test.

    The school will offer a pilot of its new computer course.

verb (used with object)

1. to steer.

2. to lead, guide, or conduct, as through unknown places, intricate affairs, etc.

3. to act as pilot on, in, or over.

   Synonyms: manage, maneuver

4. to be in charge of or responsible for.

   We're looking for someone to pilot the new project.

adjective

1. serving as an experimental or trial undertaking prior to full-scale operation or use.

   a pilot project.

pilot

/ ˈpaɪlət /

noun

1. 1. a person who is qualified to operate an aircraft or spacecraft in flight

   2. ( as modifier )

      pilot error

2. 1. a person who is qualified to steer or guide a ship into or out of a port, river mouth, etc

   2. ( as modifier )

      a pilot ship

3. a person who steers a ship

4. a person who acts as a leader or guide

5. machinery a guide, often consisting of a tongue or dowel, used to assist in joining two mating parts together

6. machinery a plug gauge for measuring an internal diameter

7. films a colour test strip accompanying black-and-white rushes from colour originals

8. an experimental programme on radio or television

9. See pilot film

10. (modifier) used in or serving as a test or trial

    a pilot project

11. (modifier) serving as a guide

    a pilot beacon

verb

1. to act as pilot of

2. to control the course of

3. to guide or lead (a project, people, etc)

Other Word Forms

• unpiloted adjective
• well-piloted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilot¹

First recorded in 1520–30; earlier pylotte, from Middle French pillotte, from Italian pilota, dissimilated variant of pedota, from unattested Medieval Greek pēdṓtēs “steersman,” equivalent to pēd(á) “rudder” (plural of pēdón “oar”) + -ōtēs agent suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilot¹

C16: from French pilote, from Medieval Latin pilotus, ultimately from Greek pēdon oar; related to Greek pous foot

Example Sentences

It is being launched on a pilot basis to ensure it is "fair and accessible" before a wider implementation.

Read more on BBC

Navy helicopter pilot from the party’s moderate wing who is serving in her fourth term in Congress.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Enterprises engagement continues to trend positively, though activity remains concentrated in pilot programs with few signs of broad deployments to date.”

Read more on MarketWatch

The company cites its 2025 Aviation Talent Forecast that estimates 98,000 new commercial pilots will be needed in the Asia Pacific region over the next ten years.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The pilot now has more than 118 million views on YouTube.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• aviator 
• captain 
• flier 
• leader 
• navigator