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Definitions

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.

“The pilot floored it. He made a power takeoff, and we got out of there.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 8, 2026

The F-15E Strike Eagle is a two-seat aircraft that flies with a pilot and a weapons systems officer.

From Salon • Apr. 8, 2026

General Dan Caine -- the top US military officer, who spoke alongside Trump -- said these forces "audaciously penetrated enemy territory in broad daylight to find, fix and recover" the pilot.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Steve Warren about the weekend rescue of the pilot who was shot down over Iran.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

“The admiral is an experienced pilot, Penny. Do as he says and you will be quite safe.”

From "The Long-Lost Home" by Maryrose Wood