-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
test pilot
noun
: a pilot who specializes in putting new or experimental airplanes through maneuvers designed to test them (as for strength) by producing strains in excess of normal
Examples of test pilot in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
One of my test pilot school classmates, Josh Kutryk, was selected to the Canadian astronaut program.
—Jim Clash, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024
The movie starred Matthew McConaughey as Cooper, a former NASA test pilot living as a farmer on a futuristic Earth where life is increasingly threatened due to global famine in the 2060s.
—Tommy McArdle, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
But once a test pilot is done with his job, everyone else who flies that plane doesn’t have to worry.
—J. George Gorant, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024
Notably, the two test pilots for the inaugural crewed flight of Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft — NASA’s Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore — were once again left behind for the simple reason that they were not assigned to that specific spacecraft.
—Alexandra Banner, CNN, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for test pilot
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.
Word History
First Known Use
1917, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near test pilot
Cite this Entry
“Test pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test%20pilot. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
test pilot
noun
: a pilot who puts new aircraft through tests
More from Merriam-Webster on test pilot
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for test pilot
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share