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 team hopes the aircraft, beyond providing insight into wartime aviation, will impart wisdom regarding the real consequences of war during this time of global unrest. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 11 Apr. 2026

Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 11 Apr. 2026

The war in the Middle East, home to some of the world’s largest air travel hubs, has upended the global aviation industry, driving carriers to new routes. —Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 10 Apr. 2026

The event supported Marines from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 11 (MALS-11), a unit responsible for aviation logistics, maintenance, and operational readiness—work critical to mission success at home and abroad. —News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 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