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

Howard Hughes, the germ-averse aviation tycoon, is believed to have had it, too. —Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 22 Mar. 2026

The data collected will help determine whether low-boom supersonic flight can be safely integrated into commercial aviation. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 21 Mar. 2026

Costilla County Office of Emergency Management Firefighters continue to receive support from aviation resources, including single-engine and large air tankers and helicopters. —Christa Swanson, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2026

Kraft’s helipad — another unusual detail in the foothills — sits about 10 minutes from Westover Field Airport for private aviation. —David Caraccio march 21, Sacbee.com, 21 Mar. 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

• 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