pilot

[ˈpaɪlət]

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

Synonyms for pilot

Idioms Using pilot

  • take the pilot's seat

    to take control or assume leadership of a situation

    Example

    After the CEO resigned, the new executive took the pilot's seat and began making changes.

  • to steer or navigate a ship or other vehicle

    Example

    The captain piloted the ship through the stormy waters.

  • pilot to co-pilot

    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

  • a small flame kept burning in a gas appliance to ignite the main burner when needed

    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'

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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.

How do native speakers use this expression?