Skip to main content
pilot

pilot

11 9.0
An angled metal frame on the front of a train that clears obstacles
  • noun
  • /ˈpaɪlət/
  • Specialized
translation icon : parachoques delantero
  • The questionnaire, which was pilot-tested with 30 members of self-help groups, consisted of two parts.

Examples

  • The engineer inspected the pilot attached to the front of the locomotive to ensure it could clear any debris on the tracks.

  • In the train's design, the pilot serves an important role by helping to push obstacles away from the path.

  • In the meantime, similar pilot schemes are being tested in rural India and Nigeria.

    Blog text (14)
  • For the pilot project, a minimum of bedside nursing time was needed for implementation of the project.

    Academic text (2004)
  • The information package, accompanied by a questionnaire on its usefulness, was pilot tested over four months beginning at the end.

    Academic text (2000)
  • Before embarking on the journey, the crew made sure the pilot was free of any obstructions to ensure safety.

Synonyms

fender
vspilot
  • US
25 3.9

A panel on a vehicle, like a car, that covers the wheel to protect it from damage

is a specific inclined front frame focused on clearing obstacles
cowcatcher
vspilot
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A metal frame on the front of a train that pushes things off the tracks

is an alternate term for the same front clearing device

Compounds

fighter pilot
  • Specialized
29 4.0

A person who flies military combat planes

21 3.6

A small test project that tries a new idea before using it everywhere

test pilot
  • Specialized
12 6.0

A person who flies new planes to see how they perform

A small test of a new plan or system in a few places to see if it works

pilot light
  • Specialized
4 3.8

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger burner

3 5.5

A small dark sea animal that lives in groups led by the largest male

2 6.0

A person who flies military planes to fight enemy aircraft

automatic pilot
  • Specialized
2 3.9

A device that steers a plane, ship, or spacecraft by itself

1 5.6

A pilot who performs daring flying tricks at airshows

1 3.2

A person who flies a plane and has a licence

automatic pilot
  • Informal
1 5.0

To act without thinking, as if following a routine

pilot light
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A small light on a machine or panel that shows it is on

senior pilot
  • Specialized
1 4.2

A pilot in charge of a plane who has the final say

cock pilot
  • Offensive
9.9

A pilot who has little experience and takes dangerous risks

3.4

A person who helps the main pilot and can fly the plane if needed

robot pilot
  • Specialized
6.2

An automatic machine that controls a ship, plane or spacecraft without a person

A large harmless black snake in North America that eats rats

pilot boat
  • Specialized
3.9

A small boat that takes a person who guides large ships into and out of port

pilot bread
  • Archaic
8.1

A very hard plain biscuit that keeps for a long time and sailors use on ships

pilot burner
  • Specialized
6.1

A small gas flame that stays lit to light a larger flame when needed

pilot chart
  • Specialized
8.8

A map that shows common winds, currents, and weather for a sea area and season

pilot cloth
  • Archaic
9.5

A thick, warm blue wool cloth used to make sailors' overcoats

pilot balloon
  • Specialized
7.0

A small balloon released to find wind direction and speed high in the sky

pilot biscuit
  • Archaic
9.9

A very hard dry biscuit that sailors kept on ships to eat

pilot bit
  • Specialized
7.0

A small drill tool that makes a first hole to guide a larger drill

pilot engine
  • Archaic
7.6

A train engine that goes ahead to check the track for obstacles

pilot experiment
  • Specialized
4.6

A small initial test to check if a research method is possible and how much time and money it needs

An episode made to show the idea of a TV show and get approval

pilot ladder
  • Specialized
6.3

A rope ladder with wooden or metal steps that you use to board a ship from a small boat

pilot lamp
  • Specialized
4.0

A small light on a device that shows the power is on

sky pilot
  • Archaic
9.4

A military religious leader who gives comfort and support to soldiers

Surface Forms

pilot singular
pilots plural

Etymology

Pilot is used for the metal frame at the front of a locomotive because it 'guides' or clears the way ahead, like a pilot leading a ship through danger, so the train's pilot pushes obstacles away from the track.