aviation

noun

avi·​a·​tion ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən 

ˌa-

often attributive

1

: the operation of aircraft

a pioneer in the early days of aviation

a career in aviation

sometimes, specifically : the operation of heavier-than-air aircraft

Fascinated from that moment on by aviation, [John] Montgomery pursued pioneering experiments in the design of a heavier-than-air glider …

—Kevin Starr

2

: military airplanes

carrier-based aviation

3

: airplane manufacture, development, and design

By that time, [Theodore P.] Wright already had established himself as a leading figure in American aviation.

—Michael Rothschild

Examples of aviation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After the vehicle was found, the sheriff’s office’s aviation unit, drone team, dive team and K-9 unit conducted a search of the area extending into the night hours, but were unable to locate Fisher. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Oct. 2025

Automated wing deployment takes only about three minutes, and its hybrid propulsion design means owners can use either premium autogas or aviation fuel. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2025

Young’s passion for aviation has been lifelong, shaped by early exposure to the private jet world and fueled by a desire to bring innovation to an outdated sector. —Wyles Daniel, AZCentral.com, 2 Oct. 2025

The same is true for Kenn Ricci, a serial American aviation businessman and chairman of private jet company Flexjet. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin avis

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing aviation

• general aviation

Rhymes for aviation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

aviation

noun

avi·​a·​tion ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən 

ˌav-ē-

: the operation of aircraft (as airplanes or helicopters) that are heavier than air