pilot
/ˈpaɪlət/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
pēdón — oar or rudder
Overview
Meaning Now
- A person who operates the flying controls of an aircraft.
- A person qualified to navigate a ship through difficult waters, such as a harbour or river mouth.
- A trial or experimental version of a television program or other project.
Literal older meaning
guide, steersman
Language path
Ancient Greek → Medieval Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
pilot
Earliest period
15th century
Journey
The word originally referred strictly to maritime navigation, specifically someone with local knowledge of coastal waters who boarded a ship to guide it safely into port. The application to aviation emerged in the early 20th century as air travel became more common.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
pēdón
“oar, blade of an oar”
- Ancient Greek
pēdótrēs
“oarsman, steersman”
- Medieval Latin
pilotus
“navigator of a ship”
likely derived via Byzantine Greek influence
- Old French
pilote
“steersman”
- Middle English
pilot
“ship's navigator”
Connections
Word parts
pilot
root
steersman
Related across languages
French
pilote
pilot
Italian
pilota
pilot
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Related to pilot
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.