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

Philip Mann, an aviation expert and former Federal Aviation Administration training manager, said smaller airports not on the list could also see delays and cancelations. —Laura Layden, USA Today, 7 Nov. 2025

The airline has been working on the project since 2017, though it was delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which temporarily grounded much of the aviation industry. —Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025

There is still concern among some players in the logistics industry, with the Airforwarders Association (AfA) warned that the FAA’s reductions airports will deepen the disruption already being felt across the aviation sector. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 7 Nov. 2025

The move underscores deepening concerns around air travel safety and the operational stability of the national aviation system. —Deputy News Editor, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2025

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