aviation

noun

avi·​a·​tion ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce aviation (audio)
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 Get the latest news in aviation, food and drink, where to stay and other travel developments. Maureen O'Hare, CNN, 5 Oct. 2024 Campos also hopes these companies apply some of the same principles adopted by high-risk industries like nuclear power, biosafety, and aviation safety. Andrew R. Chow, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 More than 200 vehicles and aircraft, including hoist and emergency aviation assets and high-water response vehicles, were feverishly working to save lives. Sarah Honosky, USA TODAY, 1 Oct. 2024 It's used primarily in advanced aviation, like fighter jets. New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for aviation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'aviation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin avis

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aviation was in 1865

Dictionary Entries Near aviation

Cite this Entry

“Aviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aviation. Accessed 13 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

aviation

noun
avi·​a·​tion ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce aviation (audio)
ˌav-ē-
: the operation of aircraft (as airplanes or helicopters) that are heavier than air
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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