Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense pilots, present participle piloting, past tense, past participle piloted
1. countable noun
A pilot is a person who is trained to fly an aircraft.
He spent seventeen years as an airline pilot.
...fighter pilots of the British Royal Air Force.
Synonyms: airman, captain, flyer [old-fashioned], aviator More Synonyms of pilot
2. countable noun
A pilot is a person who steers a ship through a difficult stretch of water, for example the entrance to a harbour.
3. verb
If someone pilots an aircraft or ship, they act as its pilot.
He piloted his own plane part of the way to Washington. [VERB noun]
4. countable noun [usually NOUN noun]
A pilot scheme or a pilot project is one which is used to test an idea before deciding whether to introduce it on a larger scale.
The service is being expanded following the success of a pilot scheme.
...a ten-year pilot project backed by the trade and industry department.
5. verb
If a government or organization pilots a programme or a scheme, they test it, before deciding whether to introduce it ona larger scale.
The trust is looking for 50 schools to pilot a programme aimed at teenage pupils. [VERB noun]
6. verb
If a government minister pilots a new law or bill through parliament, he or she makes sure that it is introduced successfully.
His achievement in piloting the Bill through a querulous House of Commons was anoutstanding parliamentary feat. [V n + through]
[Also VERB noun]
7. countable noun [oft NOUN noun]
A pilot or a pilot episode is a single television programme that is shown in order to find out whether a particular series of programmes is likely to be popular.
A pilot episode has been shot and a full series has been ordered.
8. countable noun
A pilot is the pilot light on a gas cooker or stove, boiler, or fire.
9. See also automatic pilot, test pilot
More Synonyms of pilot
pilot in British English
(ˈpaɪlət)
noun
1.
a.
a person who is qualified to operate an aircraft or spacecraft in flight
b.
(as modifier)
pilot error
2.
a.
a person who is qualified to steer or guide a ship into or out of a port, river mouth, etc
b.
(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. cinema
a colour test strip accompanying black-and-white rushes from colour originals
8.
an experimental programme on radio or television
9. 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(transitive)
12.
to act as pilot of
13.
to control the course of
14.
to guide or lead (a project, people, etc)
Word origin
C16: from French pilote, from Medieval Latin pilotus, ultimately from Greek pēdon oar; related to Greek pous foot
pilot in American English
(ˈpaɪlət)
noun
1.
a. Archaic
helmsman
b.
a person licensed to direct ships into or out of a harbor or through difficult waters
2.
a person qualified to operate the controls of an aircraft or spacecraft
3.
a guide; leader
4.
a device that guides the action of a machine or machine part
5. US
a metal frame on the front of a locomotive, to remove obstructions from the track
6.
a.
pilot light (sense 1)
b.
pilot film
verb transitive
7.
to act as a pilot of, on, in, or over
8.
to guide; conduct; lead
adjective
9.
that serves as a guide or guiding device
10.
that serves as an activating device
11.
that serves as a trial unit for experimentation or testing
Derived forms
pilotless (ˈpilotless)
adjective
Word origin
MFr pilote < It pilota, pedoto < MGr *pēdōtēs < Gr pēdon, oar blade (in pl., rudder), akin to pous, foot
pilot in Mechanical Engineering
(paɪlət)
Word forms: (regular plural) pilots
noun
(Mechanical engineering: Manufacturing and assembly)
A pilot is a guide used to help join two mating parts together.
A pilot can be inserted into a drill chuck to guide the drill bit.
Drill a pilot hole to make it easier to drive a nail or screw into the wall.
A pilot is a guide used to help join two mating parts together.
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
He then went back to the radio room to talk the pilots through the flight.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They also organise pilots for new technology implementations.
Computing (2010)
It also asked for independent evaluation of pilot schemes set up to test the security of the system.
Computing (2010)
This is because of an accident when he filmed the show's pilot episode eight years ago.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
A highlight was piloting the ship for about half an hour under the stars.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Who needs to spend years training pilots to hijack aircraft, when you can crash them with a few clicks of a keyboard?
Computing (2010)
Passengers are being put at risk by shoddy airline safety regimes that allow fatigued pilots to take control of planes, according to research.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
A pilot programme was launched in the northwest of England.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pilot said his controls had jammed.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Two million tonnes of supplies were flown in by often exhausted pilots.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The government conducted six pilots to test biodiversity offsetting.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The pilot project has provoked criticism from both ends of the political spectrum.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Pilot courses had been conducted with a number of key industries.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
Britain and other allies need to be ready to supply substantially more aircraft and pilots.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He is also a qualified glider pilot.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
They have been shot down and there has been pilot error.
The Sun (2016)
Aviation officials cleared it for testing by human pilots last week.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The new pilot will have his or her work cut out.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
One pilot scheme is offering advice on finding schools and housing.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The pilot episode has a tentative confidence.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
These pilot programmes had been very successful.
Tom Cannon Basic Marketing. Principles and Practice (1986)
The pilot regained control and landed heavily but no one was hurt.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The fumes often force pilots and crew to wear oxygen masks.
The Sun (2013)
Kinder still remembers fondly a moment during one of her pilot courses.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He is a qualified pilot and likes trekking and diving.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Thai press reports say government investigators have reached an initial finding that pilot error was to blame.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
This is more than two hundred times the average wage and some fifty times the salary of domestic airline pilots.
Low, Nicholas Politics, Planning and the State (1990)
This is called a cognitive error and can be quite amusing unless you are an airline pilot or nuclear energy plant engineer!
Wallace, Louise M & Bundy, Christine Coping with Angina (1990)
They didn't want exciting flights where pilots were dashing all over the place.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yesterday it brought in six new aircraft and 32 pilots.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Thousands of flights could be cancelled in a dispute between pilots and the Government over the introduction of identity cards.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
One pilot project is to be implemented in Jobcentre Plus offices.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Word lists with
pilot
terms used in aviation
In other languages
pilot
British English: pilot /ˈpaɪlət/ NOUN
A pilot is a person who is trained to fly an aircraft.
He spent 17 years as an airline pilot.
American English: pilot
Arabic: طيَّار
Brazilian Portuguese: piloto
Chinese: 飞行员
Croatian: pilot
Czech: pilot
Danish: pilot
Dutch: piloot
European Spanish: piloto avión
Finnish: lentäjä
French: pilote
German: Pilot
Greek: πιλότος
Italian: pilota
Japanese: パイロット
Korean: 조종사
Norwegian: flyger
Polish: pilot
European Portuguese: piloto
Romanian: pilot
Russian: пилот
Latin American Spanish: piloto aviador
Swedish: pilot
Thai: นักบิน
Turkish: pilot
Ukrainian: пілот
Vietnamese: phi công
British English: pilot VERB
If someone pilots an aircraft or ship, they act as its pilot.
He piloted his own plane part of the way to the capitol.
American English: pilot
Brazilian Portuguese: pilotar
Chinese: 驾驶飞机
European Spanish: pilotar
French: piloter
German: steuern
Italian: pilotare
Japanese: 操縦する
Korean: 조종하다
European Portuguese: pilotar
Latin American Spanish: pilotar
Translate your text for free
All related terms of 'pilot'
co-pilot
The co-pilot of an aircraft is a pilot who assists the chief pilot.
cow pilot
→ sergeant major (sense 3 )
sky pilot
a chaplain in one of the military services
pilot bird
a warbler of forest floors in SE Australia, Pycnoptilus floccosus, named from its alleged habit of accompanying the superb lyrebird
pilot boat
a vessel used by a person who is qualified to steer or guide a ship into or out of a port, river mouth, etc
pilot chart
any of a number of charts issued to mariners by the U.S. Hydrographic Office and showing meteorological, hydrographic, and navigational conditions prevailing , or likely to prevail, subsequent to the date of issue in some part of the world: issued monthly for most areas
pilot cloth
a type of thick blue cloth used esp to make sailor's coats
pilot error
An error is something you have done which is considered to be incorrect or wrong , or which should not have been done.
pilot film
a film of short duration serving as a guide to a projected series
pilot fish
a small carangid fish, Naucrates ductor, of tropical and subtropical seas, marked with dark vertical bands : often accompanies sharks and other large fishes
pilot flag
the flag symbolizing the letter G in the International Code of Signals , flown by itself to request a pilot from a pilot service: a flag of three yellow and three blue vertical stripes
pilot house
an enclosed structure on the bridge of a vessel from which it can be navigated ; wheelhouse
pilot lamp
a small light in an electric circuit or device that lights up when the circuit is closed or when certain conditions prevail
pilot light
A pilot light is a small gas flame in a cooker , stove , boiler , or fire . It burns all the time and lights the main large flame when the gas is turned fully on.
pilot plant
a small-scale industrial plant in which problems can be identified and solved before the full-scale plant is built
pilot study
a small-scale experiment or set of observations undertaken to decide how and whether to launch a full-scale project
pilot whale
any of several black toothed whales of the genus Globicephala, such as G . melaena, that occur in all seas except polar seas: family Delphinidae
test pilot
A test pilot is a pilot who flies aircraft of a new design in order to test their performance.
airline pilot
a person who flies planes as a profession and works for a commercial airline
bomber pilot
the pilot of a bomber
fighter pilot
a pilot who flies a fighter plane
pilot balloon
a meteorological balloon used to observe air currents
pilot biscuit
→ hardtack
pilot engine
a locomotive that leads one or more other locomotives at the head of a train of coaches or wagons
pilot episode
An episode of something such as a series on radio or television or a story in a magazine is one of the separate parts in which it is broadcast or published .
pilot jacket
a type of leather jacket associated with U.S. Army pilots in World War II
pilot officer
A pilot officer is an officer of low rank in the British Royal Air Force.
pilot scheme
a small-scale experiment or set of observations undertaken to decide how and whether to launch a full-scale project
automatic pilot
An automatic pilot or an autopilot is a device in an aircraft that automatically keeps it on a particular course.
qualified pilot
A pilot is a person who is trained to fly an aircraft.
commercial pilot
an airplane pilot licensed to transport passengers , goods, etc
pilot production
a manufacturing or engineering production line set up during development , to test new methods, processes, and systems
on automatic pilot
If you are on automatic pilot or on autopilot , you are acting without thinking about what you are doing, usually because you have done it many times before.
black whale
any of several black toothed whales of the genus Globicephala, such as G . melaena, that occur in all seas except polar seas: family Delphinidae
hardtack
a kind of hard saltless biscuit , formerly eaten esp by sailors as a staple aboard ship
ship's biscuit
a kind of hard saltless biscuit , formerly eaten esp by sailors as a staple aboard ship
Chinese translation of 'pilot'
pilot
(ˈpaɪlət)
n(c)
(Aviat) 飞(飛)行员(員) (fēixíngyuán) (个(個), gè)
(Naut) 领(領)航员(員) (lǐnghángyuán) (个(個), gè)
(TV) (also pilot episode) 试(試)播片断(斷) (shìbō piànduàn)
adj
[scheme, study]试(試)验(驗)性的 (shìyànxìng de)
vt
[aircraft]驾(駕)驶(駛) (jiàshǐ)
to pilot a scheme/programme试(試)行计(計)划(劃)/项(項)目 (shìxíng jìhuà/xiàngmù)
1 (noun)
Definition
a person who is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft
He spent seventeen years as an airline pilot.
Synonyms
airman
an English airman
captain
flyer (old-fashioned)
escape lines for shot-down allied flyers
aviator
He was a pioneer aviator - the first to fly across the Channel.
aeronaut
2 (noun)
Definition
a person who acts as a guide
The pilot steered the ship safely inside the main channel.
Synonyms
helmsman
guide
With guides, the journey can be done in fourteen days.
navigator
Which of you is the best navigator?
leader
the leader of the Conservative Party
director
He is the director of the unit.
conductor
coxswain
steersman or woman or person
1 (verb)
Definition
to act as pilot of
the first person to pilot an aircraft across the Pacific
Synonyms
fly
He flew a small plane to Cuba.
control
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.
You should not let other people control you.
operate
The men were trapped as they operated a tunnelling machine.
be at the controls of
2 (verb)
Definition
to act as pilot of
Local fishermen piloted the boats.
Synonyms
navigate
He was responsible for safely navigating the ship.
drive
Don't expect to be able to drive a car or operate machinery.
manage
Her daughter couldn't manage the horse.
direct
guide
She took the bewildered man by the arm and guided him out.
handle
One report said the aircraft would become difficult to handle.
conduct
steer
3 (verb)
Definition
to guide or lead (a project or people)
We are piloting the strategy through Parliament.
Synonyms
direct
She will direct day-to-day operations.
lead
He led him into the house.
manage
managing a car well in bad conditions
conduct
He asked if he might conduct us to the ball.
steer
What is it like to steer a ship of this size?
(modifier)
Definition
serving as a test or trial
a pilot show for a new TV series
Synonyms
trial
test
model
sample
experimental
Additional synonyms
in the sense of aviator
Definition
the pilot of an aircraft
He was a pioneer aviator - the first to fly across the Channel.
Synonyms
pilot,
flyer (old-fashioned),
airman,
airwoman,
aeronaut
in the sense of conduct
Definition
to accompany and guide (people or a party)
He asked if he might conduct us to the ball.
Synonyms
accompany,
lead,
escort,
guide,
attend,
steer,
convey,
usher,
pilot
in the sense of control
Definition
to have power over
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.You should not let other people control you.
Synonyms
have power over,
lead,
rule,
manage,
boss (informal),
direct,
handle,
conduct,
dominate,
command,
pilot,
govern,
steer,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
manipulate,
call the shots,
call the tune,
reign over,
keep a tight rein on,
have charge of,
superintend,
have (someone) in your pocket,
keep on a string
Synonyms of 'pilot'
pilot
Explore 'pilot' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of director
Definition
a member of the governing board of a business, trust, etc.
He is the director of the unit.
Synonyms
controller,
head,
leader,
manager,
chief,
executive,
chairperson,
boss (informal),
producer,
governor,
principal,
administrator,
supervisor,
organizer,
helmer,
sherang (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of drive
Definition
to guide the movement of (a vehicle)
Don't expect to be able to drive a car or operate machinery.
Synonyms
operate,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
pilot,
steer,
navigate
in the sense of flyer
Definition
an aircraft pilot
escape lines for shot-down allied flyers
Synonyms
pilot,
aeronaut,
airman or airwoman,
aviator or aviatrix
in the sense of guide
Definition
a person who leads travellers to a place, usually in a dangerous area
With guides, the journey can be done in fourteen days.
Synonyms
escort,
leader,
controller,
attendant,
usher,
chaperon,
cicerone (literary),
torchbearer,
dragoman
in the sense of guide
Definition
to lead the way for (tourists or travellers)
She took the bewildered man by the arm and guided him out.
Synonyms
lead,
direct,
escort,
conduct,
pilot,
accompany,
steer,
shepherd,
convoy,
usher,
show the way
in the sense of handle
Definition
to hold, move, operate, or touch with the hands
One report said the aircraft would become difficult to handle.
Synonyms
control,
manage,
direct,
operate,
guide,
use,
steer,
manipulate,
manoeuvre,
wield
in the sense of lead
Definition
to guide or be guided by physical means
He led him into the house.
Synonyms
guide,
conduct,
steer,
escort,
precede,
usher,
pilot,
show the way
in the sense of leader
Definition
a person who rules, guides, or inspires others
the leader of the Conservative Party
Synonyms
principal,
president,
head,
chief,
boss (informal),
director,
manager,
chairperson,
captain,
chair,
premier,
governor,
commander,
superior,
ruler,
conductor,
controller,
counsellor,
supervisor,
superintendent,
big name,
big gun (informal),
chieftain,
bigwig (informal),
ringleader,
big shot (informal),
overseer,
big cheese (slang, old-fashioned),
big noise (informal),
big hitter (informal),
torchbearer,
number one,
sherang (Australian, New Zealand)
in the sense of manage
Definition
to keep under control
Her daughter couldn't manage the horse.
Synonyms
control,
influence,
guide,
handle,
master,
dominate,
manipulate
in the sense of manage
managing a car well in bad conditions
Synonyms
steer,
operate,
pilot
Additional synonyms
in the sense of navigator
Which of you is the best navigator?
Synonyms
helmsman or woman or person,
guide,
pilot,
or woman">seaman or woman,
mariner,
steersman or woman or person
in the sense of operate
Definition
to control the working of (a machine)
The men were trapped as they operated a tunnelling machine.
Synonyms
run,
work,
use,
control,
drive,
manoeuvre
in the sense of steer
Definition
to direct the course of (a vehicle or vessel) with a steering wheel or rudder