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
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The company aims to hit 8 billion Singapore dollars ($6.2 billion) in revenue by the end of its 2029 fiscal year, thanks to a larger network, growth in Asia-Pacific passenger volumes, and Singapore’s role as an aviation hub.
—Lionel Lim, Fortune, 20 June 2025
According to an aviation investigation preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the cause of the plane crash was the pilot attempting to avoid a turtle on the runway at Sugar Valley Airport in Mocksville.
—Tj MacIas, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Since the crash, Air India has cancelled operations of a total of 83 wide-body flights, including 66 Dreamliner, according to data shared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s aviation safety regulator.
—Rajesh Roy, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
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Lionel Lim, Fortune, 20 June 2025
According to an aviation investigation preliminary report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the cause of the plane crash was the pilot attempting to avoid a turtle on the runway at Sugar Valley Airport in Mocksville.
—Tj MacIas, Charlotte Observer, 19 June 2025
Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 19 June 2025
Since the crash, Air India has cancelled operations of a total of 83 wide-body flights, including 66 Dreamliner, according to data shared by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, India’s aviation safety regulator.
—Rajesh Roy, Chicago Tribune, 18 June 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 Jun. 2025.
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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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