aviator
n. C1 Advanced US //ˈeɪviˌeɪtɝ// UK //ˈeɪvɪˌeɪtɐ// avi·a·tor
n. a person who flies an aircraft. It is an older word that people still use to sound more formal or romantic.
n. a person who flies an aircraft, especially as a profession or a hobby. Often used in a formal or historical context to distinguish pilots from those who fly for commercial or military reasons.
The young aviator prepared for his first solo flight.
The museum features a collection of vintage aircraft and the personal gear of a famous early aviator.
While the term 'pilot' is now standard in modern aviation, the title of aviator still carries a certain romantic weight, often used to describe those who fly for adventure or personal challenge.
Borrowed from French aviateur.