pilot Definition
- 1a person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft
- 2a television program made to test audience reaction with a view to the production of a series
Using pilot: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "pilot" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The pilot announced that we would be landing in ten minutes.
Example
She is training to become a commercial airline pilot.
Example
The network ordered a pilot for a new sitcom.
pilot Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using pilot
Example
After the CEO resigned, the new executive took the pilot's seat and began making changes.
Example
The captain piloted the ship through the stormy waters.
a phrase used to indicate a change in the subject of conversation or a shift in focus
Example
Pilot to co-pilot, we're approaching our destination. Please prepare the cabin for landing.
Phrases with pilot
Example
The pilot light on the stove went out, so I had to relight it.
a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, adverse events, and effect size (statistical significance) of a research project
Example
Before conducting the full-scale experiment, the researchers conducted a pilot study to test their methods.
the first episode of a television series, produced with the intention of testing its appeal to an audience and securing a network contract
Example
The pilot episode of the show was well-received, leading to a full season order.
Origins of pilot
from Middle French 'pilote', from Italian 'pilota', from Late Latin 'pedota', from Ancient Greek 'pedotes' meaning 'one who steers a ship'
Summary: pilot in Brief
A 'pilot' [ˈpaɪlət] is a person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft or a television program made to test audience reaction with a view to the production of a series. It can also refer to a small flame kept burning in a gas appliance to ignite the main burner when needed, or a small-scale preliminary study conducted to evaluate feasibility, time, cost, adverse events, and effect size of a research project. Idioms like 'take the pilot's seat' and 'pilot to co-pilot' denote taking control or shifting focus.