Plain English Meaning
An official FAA license that lets you fly a plane and take passengers along, but not for pay. It's the standard pilot license most people earn after the student stage.
Full Definition
An FAA-issued pilot certificate that authorizes a person to act as pilot in command of an aircraft for non-commercial purposes, carrying passengers and baggage but not for compensation or hire (with limited cost-sharing exceptions). It is issued after the applicant meets the aeronautical knowledge, flight experience, and practical test requirements specified in 14 CFR Part 61.
Context Anchor
Seen in training plans, course outlines, and FAA discussions about the goal and requirements of private pilot training.