pilot

[pahy-luht] / ˈpaɪ lət /

NOUN

person who guides aircraft, ship, or other vehicle

Synonyms

STRONGEST

aviator captain flier leader navigator

STRONG

ace aerialist aeronaut bellwether conductor coxswain dean director eagle flyer guide jockey lead scout steerer

WEAK

doyen/doyenne helmsperson one at the controls one at the wheel steersperson wheelperson

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.

Oklo is one of nearly a dozen companies selected for a federal pilot program in 2025.

From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026

At issue is a technology little known outside pilot world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026

Hines previously served as pilot of NASA's SpaceX Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station.

From Science Daily • Jun. 11, 2026

Former UK air accident investigator Tim Atkinson agrees that there is always a temptation to blame a dead pilot for a serious accident.

From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026

“Our planes were burning like candles,” said pilot Serafima Amosova.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Vocabulary lists containing pilot

May the 4th Be With You: Star Wars Words

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This Week in Words: September 1 - 7, 2018

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Occupations

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