ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cockpit

n.
US //ˈkɑkˌpɪt// UK //kˈɒkpɪt// cock·pit
  1. 1 aircraft/spacecraft (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the small area at the front of a plane where the pilot sits and controls the flight.

    the compartment in an aircraft or spacecraft containing the controls and the seats for the pilot and co-pilot.

    Example

    The pilot invited the children to look inside the cockpit after the plane landed.

    Example

    Modern cockpits are equipped with digital displays that have largely replaced the traditional analogue dials found in older aircraft.
    • flight deck
    • control cabin
  2. 2 racing car (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    the part of a racing car where the driver sits.

    the driver's compartment in a racing car, typically designed for a single occupant and maximum safety.

    Example

    The driver climbed into the cockpit and fastened his safety harness.

    Example

    Engineers designed the cockpit to be as narrow as possible to improve the car's overall aerodynamic profile.
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  1. 3 nautical (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the area near the back of a boat where the person steering sits.

    a sunken area or well, usually near the stern of a sailing vessel, from which the craft is steered.

    Example

    We sat in the cockpit of the yacht and watched the waves.

    Example

    The crew gathered in the cockpit to discuss the navigation charts while the captain maintained a steady course.
    • helm area
  2. 4 site of conflict (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    a place where there has been a lot of fighting or war in the past.

    a figurative term for a place that is the scene of frequent or intense conflict.

    Example

    For centuries, this small region was the cockpit of Europe.

    Example

    Historians often describe the Low Countries as the cockpit of Europe due to the numerous decisive battles fought on their soil.
  3. 5 cockfighting pit (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    an enclosed area where people used to make birds fight for sport.

    an enclosed area or pit used for the historical practice of cockfighting.

    Example

    The old village still had a stone circle that was once used as a cockpit.

    Example

    The ruins of the medieval cockpit serve as a grim reminder of blood sports that were once popular entertainment.
Etymology 1

Compound of cock (“rooster”) + pit.

Etymology 2

Either the same as above or from compound of cock (“boat”) + pit, where the first element is also found in cockboat and coxswain.

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