Definition

Noun: A person who pilots or travels in a balloon, especially a hot-air balloon, as a sport or for recreation.

Usage

The word "balloonist" is used to specifically describe a person whose activity involves operating or being a passenger in a lighter-than-air aircraft (a balloon). It is a neutral, descriptive term.

Examples

• The experienced balloonist navigated the winds to land safely in the field.
• She became a licensed balloonist after years of training.
• Early balloonists were pioneers of human flight.

Advanced Usage

• "to be an accomplished balloonist": to be highly skilled in piloting balloons.
  • He is an accomplished balloonist, having crossed the channel multiple times.

Variants and Related Words

• Ballooning (n): The sport or activity of flying in a balloon.
  • She took up ballooning as a hobby.
• Aeronaut (n): A traveler in a hot-air balloon, airship, or other lighter-than-air craft; often used as a more formal or historical synonym for balloonist.
  • The 19th-century aeronauts were celebrated as heroes.

Synonyms

• Aeronaut: (as defined above).
• Aviator: A general term for a pilot of an aircraft, which can include balloonists.

Noun

1. someone who flies a balloon