test pilot

noun

Synonyms of test pilotnext
: 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
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On April 10, 2026, UB test pilot Ric Webb took the controls to conduct the flight. Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 12 May 2026 This was a great test pilot mission. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 25 Apr. 2026 As almost all the Mercury and Gemini astronauts were test pilots before being selected for interstellar service, Cooper knew them personally. Laura Ness, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2026 Nagel, an Air Force test pilot, served as a NASA astronaut from 1979 to 1995. Mike Wall, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for test pilot

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of test pilot was in 1917

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Cite this Entry

“Test pilot.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test%20pilot. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

test pilot

noun
: a pilot who puts new aircraft through tests

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