# George

/ˈdʒɔɹdʒ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/george
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a nickname that pilots use for the autopilot system in an airplane. You use it when the computer is flying the plane instead of the human pilot.

For teachers: a colloquial term for the automatic pilot system in an aircraft. Used primarily in aviation contexts to refer to the automated flight control system.

## Examples

- I'm tired, so I'll let George fly for a while.
- Once we reached our cruising altitude, the captain engaged George to maintain a steady course across the ocean.
- While modern flight decks are highly automated, pilots must remain vigilant even when George is in control to ensure the system responds correctly to unexpected turbulence.

## Usage notes

- Used as a proper name without an article; typically functions as the subject of a sentence.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.