pilots 1 of 2

plural of pilot
as in aviators
one who flies or is qualified to fly an aircraft or spacecraft the airline is seeking experienced pilots to fly the new airplane

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pilots

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of pilot
1
2
as in steers
to point out the way for (someone) especially from a position in front the lead rider piloted the rest of the team

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3
as in navigates
to operate or control the course of managed to pilot the plane to safety despite the failure of the left engine

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of pilots
Noun
The test used additional radios on the drones intended to allow pilots to keep an eye on the drones even while out of sight. Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 27 June 2026 The pilots reported the laser strike while flying over Bedford Township. Nick Lentz, CBS News, 29 June 2026 The only public indication of an impending launch was the release of a warning for pilots and sailors to steer clear of the rocket’s flight path. Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 26 June 2026 The placards displayed the women’s aspirations of becoming actors, models, pilots and lawyers — many of whom went on to achieve these dreams. Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 5 July 2026 For a decision-maker watching agent pilots multiply across departments, this is where cost, access and audit either get governed or get out of hand. Janakiram Msv, Forbes.com, 6 July 2026 While maintaining the illumination needed for pilots and crews, these modes are intended to reduce the likelihood of detection by opposing forces using infrared sensors. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 6 July 2026 Billions have already been committed to AI infrastructure, licenses, and pilots, yet measurable outcomes remain inconsistent for many companies. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 6 July 2026 Cressy has additionally established the nonprofit, Privileged Pilots Project, an organization dedicated to helping aspiring pilots with health and life challenges achieve their dreams. Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026
Verb
Maito then pilots one of these robots, called Gaine, and teams up with other mecha to take down the real evil Nouvelle Tokyo City. Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025 There's also an optional co-op mode, which allows two players to split the controls of the Arwing starfighter and other vehicles; one person pilots them while the other shoots at enemies. Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 8 May 2026 The drones are always recording and equipped with high-quality zoom and thermal cameras as a Cincinnati police officer remotely pilots the drone from the department's command center. David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 11 Dec. 2025 When Claire’s adult daughter Channing pilots the idea of going on a ski trip next year and starting her own holiday traditions, Claire completely ices her out and won’t consider it. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2025 Benji gives in to whatever Jake wants, desperate not to rock the boat, while Jake frequently pilots their relationship, taking control without giving much thought to Benji and his desires. David Opie, IndieWire, 4 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pilots
Noun
  • Rihanna looks radiant in a raspberry jumpsuit and coordinating aviators while shopping in Beverly Hills on June 24.
    Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
  • Another option is to simply opt for a pair of aviators that match your own.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Eder believed that American flags should be made in America, a philosophy that still guides the company today.
    Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 26 June 2026
  • For a truly memorable half day on the island, book a session at Forge a Memory, where a blacksmith guides you through making your own knife.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 June 2026
Verb
  • The jet stream is a highway of air at high altitudes which steers weather systems.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Taking a cue from nickelodeon piano players, composer John Powell steers the mood with a vibrantly eclectic score of sprightly ragtime, violin pathos and popcorn crescendos.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • Ahead of the game against Bosnia-Herzegovina, PA Classics coaches Brittney Jakobson and Nick Jakobson took their children, Declan and Camden, to kick a ball at Pulisic’s former club.
    ABC News, ABC News, 1 July 2026
  • The camp is being led by Geordie Kinnear, who coaches the Charlotte Checkers, the Panthers’ AHL affiliate.
    Ava DiCecca, Sun Sentinel, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Despite operating on stablecoin rails, Caliza still routes many transactions through Swift.
    Aaron Stanley, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • The lymphatic system collects that fluid from your tissues and routes it through a network of vessels, nodes and organs running parallel to the circulatory system throughout nearly the entire body, per StatPearls.
    Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Gallup research shows that managers account for at least 70% of the variance in team engagement across organizations.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • An Atlanta Journal-Constitution analysis shows the executive spent roughly three-quarters of that — more than $83 million — on television and cable advertising.
    Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Pilots.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pilots. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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