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.

“Saying we’re stuck in pilot mode is this outdated idea that’s wrong,” he says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

It did not include any maps to indicate where the pilot zones would be located, or any explanation of how they might work in practice.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Lowe’s ran a pilot program in select stores for about a year before the announcement in March.

From Barron's • Jun. 4, 2026

During the pilot, young people who were supported have made an average of nearly two meaningful relationships.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

“Turn left 15 degrees,” Okimoto instructed the pilot.

From "Fallout: Spies, Superbombs, and the Ultimate Cold War Showdown" by Steve Sheinkin

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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