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

Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. —Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 24 Jan. 2026

The move comes as the carrier embarks on one of the aviation industry’s biggest recruitment drives, adding 17,300 jobs this year across cabin crew, pilots, and ground services. —Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 23 Jan. 2026

Weather conditions on January 19 prevented aviation teams from accessing the area where the climbers were spotted. —Outside, 22 Jan. 2026

The aviation department is maintaining close communication with its hub carrier, American Airlines, which accounts for approximately 90% of the airport’s daily flights. —Chase Jordan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Jan. 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