Plain English Meaning
The clear panel in front of the pilot that you look through to see ahead, similar to a car windshield but built for flight loads.
Full Definition
The transparent panel at the front of the cockpit that protects the pilot from wind, weather, and debris while allowing forward visibility. On most light aircraft it is made of acrylic or polycarbonate plastic; on transport aircraft it is laminated glass with heating elements for anti-icing and bird-strike resistance.
Context Anchor
During the visual preflight assessment, the pilot checks the windshield for cracks, dirt, loose areas, or anything else that could block or distort the view.