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 National Transportation Safety Board generally handles civilian aviation accidents, but the military investigates crashes involving its own aircraft. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

Shipstead’s electrifying novel spans decades and brings the period of early aviation to thrilling life, in the process touching on themes of women’s empowerment and struggle. — David Faris, TheWeek, 16 Sep. 2026

The aviation tragedy was not the first that NBC4 had experienced. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

Pima Air & Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona The Pima Air & Space Museum opened in 1976 and continues to draw in visitors who are curious about all things aviation. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 16 Sep. 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