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 royal family of Qatar, owner of one of the largest private jet fleets in the world, has failed to sell the plane, and giving it away could save Qatar’s rulers a big chunk of change on maintenance and storage costs, aviation experts told Forbes. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Wheels Up, a private aviation company backed by stars like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, and Kevin Durant, recently teamed up with Delta Air Lines to offer Delta One passengers a luxe travel option this summer, as first reported by The New York Post. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 15 May 2025

Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. —Angela Dansby, CNN Money, 14 May 2025

National security and aviation experts say the offer, first reported by ABC News, comes with plenty of risks. —Claudia Grisales, NPR, 14 May 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