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
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
Michael RothschildExamples of aviation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 10 minutes, a simple plane ride turned into a deadly crash that claimed the lives of seven people Thursday, including that of NASCAR star Greg Biffle and his family, according to federal aviation investigators.
—Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Even aviation insiders like Dean Rotchin, founder of Blackjet, steer clear of the galley brew.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
The Wisconsin native had previously won the 1992 driver’s championship in dramatic style, beating Bill Elliott (who survived an aviation scare) in what was the closest title race in history.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Among those killed were commercial airline pilot Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, who was studying aviation at Auburn University and was recently certified as a single-engine pilot.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
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Desiree Mathurin, Charlotte Observer, 19 Dec. 2025
Even aviation insiders like Dean Rotchin, founder of Blackjet, steer clear of the galley brew.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 19 Dec. 2025
The Wisconsin native had previously won the 1992 driver’s championship in dramatic style, beating Bill Elliott (who survived an aviation scare) in what was the closest title race in history.
—Ben Church, CNN Money, 19 Dec. 2025
Among those killed were commercial airline pilot Dennis Dutton and his son Jack, who was studying aviation at Auburn University and was recently certified as a single-engine pilot.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
Cite this Entry
“Aviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aviation. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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