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

Russia's aviation authorities ordered temporary flight restrictions at three of Moscow's international airports -- Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky. —Arkansas Online, 15 Mar. 2026

Russia’s aviation authorities brought in temporary flight restrictions at three of Moscow’s international airports – Domodedovo, Vnukovo and Zhukovsky. —Susie Blann, Chicago Tribune, 14 Mar. 2026

The complexity of the aviation landscape is further compounded by Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. —Blane Bachelor, CNN Money, 14 Mar. 2026

Price said the risk toward aviation is greater because of the symbolism, potentially generating a massive response on the traveling public. —N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 14 Mar. 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