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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

The first pilot was found Friday, but it took more than 36 hours to locate the second aviator who was hiding in a mountain crevice.

From Barron's • Apr. 6, 2026

Victor Glover, who grew up in Pomona, will pilot NASA’s first crewed flight to the moon since 1972.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026

Kevin had official pilot wings that he got on the airplane; he had them pinned to his sweater, and he wouldn't let the other kids wear them, not even for one minute.

From "All About Sam" by Lois Lowry