cockpit

[ kok-pit ]
/ ˈkɒkˌpɪt /

noun

a space, usually enclosed, in the forward fuselage of an airplane containing the flying controls, instrument panel, and seats for the pilot and copilot or flight crew.
a sunken, open area, generally in the after part of a small vessel, as a yacht, providing space for the pilot, part or all of the crew, or guests.
the space, including the seat and instrumentation, surrounding the driver of an automobile.
a pit or enclosed place for cockfights.
a place where a contest is fought or which has been the scene of many contests or battles.
(formerly) a space below the water line in a warship, occupied by the quarters of the junior officers and used as a dressing station for those wounded in action.

Origin of cockpit

First recorded in 1580–90; cock1 + pit1

Example sentences from the Web for cockpit

British Dictionary definitions for cockpit

cockpit
/ (ˈkɒkˌpɪt) /

noun

the compartment in a small aircraft in which the pilot, crew, and sometimes the passengers sit Compare flight deck (def. 1)
the driver's compartment in a racing car
nautical
  1. an enclosed or recessed area towards the stern of a small vessel from which it is steered
  2. (formerly) an apartment in a warship used as quarters for junior officers and as a first-aid station during combat
the site of numerous battles or campaigns
an enclosure used for cockfights