NYT Dictionary

AVIATOR

/ˈeɪviː.ˌeɪtər/
NounA-vi-a-tora-vi-a-tor · 4 syllablesGrade 4

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2024, 2025, 2026

Meaning

An aircraft pilot, especially a military pilot. The use of the word may imply claims of superior airmanship, as in navy aviator vs. air force pilot.

Etymology

Origin: French

Borrowed from French aviateur. By surface analysis, avi- + -ator

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

flierflyeraeronautairmanastronautcaptaininstructorpilotrainmaker

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 5 recorded puzzles:

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