Definition

1. Noun:
   • Small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner: A small, continuously burning flame used to light the main burner of a gas appliance, such as a furnace, water heater, or stove.
   • Indicator consisting of a light to indicate whether power is on or a motor is in operation: A small electric light that shows whether a device is receiving electrical power or is in a ready state.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Gas Burner):

  • If the furnace won't start, check to see if the pilot light has gone out.
  • The plumber relit the pilot light on the old water heater.

• Noun (Indicator Light):

  • A green pilot light on the amplifier shows that it is powered on.
  • When the pilot light is illuminated, the machine is in standby mode.

Advanced Usage

• "to keep the pilot light burning": Used metaphorically to mean maintaining a small but essential level of hope, energy, or activity.
  • Even during difficult times, she kept the pilot light of her determination burning.

Variants and Related Words

• Pilot: (Noun/Verb) As a noun, a person who operates an aircraft; more broadly, a guide or leader. As a verb, to guide or test something on a small scale.
  • They decided to pilot the new program in three schools first.

Synonyms

• Gas flame: For the burner sense.
• Indicator light: For the electric light sense.
• Standby light: A specific type of indicator light.

Related Phrases

• Pilot light is out: Literally means the small ignition flame has extinguished. Can be used figuratively to suggest a loss of initial spark or energy.
  • After the project failed, the team's enthusiasm was like a pilot light that had gone out.

Related Idioms

• To light/relight the pilot light: Often used figuratively to describe reigniting passion, motivation, or a process.
  • Their vacation helped them relight the pilot light in their marriage.

Noun

1. indicator consisting of a light to indicate whether power is on or a motor is in operation
2. small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner