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

Pivotal's quality management system is also certified by SAE International, which sets global aviation safety standards. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026

Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 7 Feb. 2026

The crash occurred on the same night as another fatal aviation incident in Flagstaff that killed 2. —Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 7 Feb. 2026

The launch will showcase the founder’s desire to introduce something new to the luxury aviation space. —Ethan Stone, USA Today, 7 Feb. 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