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

The long road to 2028 While the spectacle was undeniable, aviation experts remain skeptical that the vehicle can serve as both a practical road car and a true aircraft. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

Now, nearly 90 years later, one of aviation’s greatest mysteries might be solved. — Chas Newkey-Burden, TheWeek, 14 Oct. 2026

The Daily Dividend Attacks on Saudi Arabia's second-busiest airport have put a spotlight on how commercial aviation has become a greater target in global conflicts. — Alex Harring, CNBC, 14 Oct. 2026

More than 3,000 flights scheduled to depart from airports across Saudi Arabia have been canceled or listed as not operating in the last week, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium. — Samy Magdy, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

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

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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