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

Given the steep, rocky terrain and limited dozer access, hand crews and aviation resources will remain the primary suppression tools. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 6 Sep. 2025

But the new private terminal is winning their support, with the backing of historians and preservationists who have been fighting to maintain South Florida’s aviation legacy in a region known for tearing down buildings. —Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025

Along with the planes, Goss said there will be exhibitors, military recruiters and other people affiliated with the aviation industry on hand. —Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 5 Sep. 2025

Both companies see this as a step toward unlocking commercial viability for hybrid-electric aviation. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Sep. 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