Meaning & Definition of word "Pilot"

Pilot

/ˈpaɪlət/

1. A person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.
- Example: The pilot announced that we would be landing in ten minutes.
2. A device used to guide or direct something, such as a boat.
- Example: The captain hired a pilot to navigate the ship through the narrow channel.
3. A preliminary version of a project or program to test its viability.
- Example: The company implemented a pilot program to gauge interest in their new service.

1. To operate an aircraft as a pilot.
- Example: She learnt to pilot a plane at a young age.
2. To guide or direct something.
- Example: The manager will pilot the new project to ensure its success.

Middle English (in the sense 'helmsman, navigator'), from Old French 'pilote', from Latin 'pīlōtus', from Greek 'pēlagios' meaning 'of the sea'.

test pilot:

A person who tests the performance of new aircraft.

pilot episode:

The first episode of a series intended to sell the show.

pilot light:

A small gas flame used to ignite a larger flame.

pilot study:

A small scale preliminary study conducted to test feasibility.

aviation:

The operation of aircraft and the design of flying vehicles.

navigation:

The process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.

steering:

The action of controlling the direction of a vehicle.

Meaning: A person who leads or guides a group.

Example Sentence: She really stepped up as the pilot of our team during the project.

Meaning: In the tech world, someone who tests new software or features.

Example Sentence: He's a beta pilot for the new application they're developing.