someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight
"The pilot adjusted the autopilot before guiding the plane smoothly through the storm clouds."
a person qualified to guide ships through difficult waters going into or out of a harbor
"The ship's captain asked the local pilot to take them through the narrow channel during the stormy night."
a program exemplifying a contemplated series; intended to attract sponsors
"The network decided not to renew the pilot because it failed to attract enough advertisers despite its high production value."
small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner
"The pilot light on my old furnace has finally gone out, so I can't get any heat until someone relights it."
an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
"The engineer had to lower the pilot onto the tracks to ensure the heavy freight train could safely navigate the sharp curve."
A person who steers a ship, a helmsman.
"The old captain insisted on taking the helm himself to act as pilot during the stormy crossing."
In plain English: A pilot is a person who flies an airplane or spacecraft.
"The pilot landed the plane smoothly despite the storm."
Usage: In modern English, the noun pilot most commonly refers to the crew member who guides an aircraft or spacecraft, rather than a ship's helmsman. Use this term when describing someone responsible for steering planes, helicopters, or drones during flight operations.
To control (an aircraft or watercraft).
"The veteran captain took over to pilot the ship through the narrow channel during the storm."
In plain English: To pilot something is to guide it through its first test run before it becomes fully operational.
"The new pilot program will test the effectiveness of the vaccine before it is approved for everyone."
Usage: Use "pilot" as a verb when you are actively steering an aircraft or boat, such as flying a plane during takeoff. Do not use it to mean leading a project or guiding a group unless the context specifically involves navigating a vehicle.
Made or used as a test or demonstration of capability.
"The company decided to run a pilot program in three cities before rolling out the new app nationwide."
In plain English: Pilot means being the first person to try something new to see if it works well.
"The pilot episode of the new show was watched by millions of viewers."
Usage: Use "pilot" as an adjective to describe a program, project, or product that is being tested on a small scale before full implementation. It indicates that the initiative serves as a trial run to evaluate effectiveness before wider rollout.
The word "pilot" comes from Middle French and Italian, originally referring to a helmsman. It ultimately traces back to Ancient Greek words for the blade of an oar or a rudder.