Plain English Meaning
The wrong answers in a multiple-choice question. They are written to look like they could be right, so a learner who only half-knows the topic might pick one by mistake.
Full Definition
In a multiple-choice test question, the incorrect answer choices offered alongside the correct answer. Distractors are deliberately written to appear plausible so that a learner who does not fully understand the material may be drawn to one of them instead of the correct response.
Context Anchor
Seen in aviation instructor training, written test design, and discussions of how to build fair multiple-choice questions.
Derivation
From the verb 'distract,' meaning to draw attention away from something. A distractor in a test question is an answer choice designed to draw the learner's attention away from the correct answer.
Why Pilots Care
Recognizing distractors helps pilots prepare for FAA tests by anticipating the exact that commonly cause failure.