noun / adjective / verb
pilot
A small preliminary trial, or to test something before wider use.
The district pilots a reading program at two elementary schools.
Etymology
A pilot guides a vessel through an unfamiliar course. The trial sense applies that guiding role to a preliminary project that helps determine how a larger undertaking should proceed.
More examples
- The pilot reveals problems before the service expands nationwide.
- We collect feedback from families in the pilot program.
- They piloted the new software with a small volunteer team.
Forms
pilot · pilots · piloted · piloting