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

He was trained in aviation ordinance and found himself on an aircraft carrier in the South Pacific. —John Lauritsen, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Advertisement The agenda of Putin’s trip covers energy, defense, civil aviation, critical minerals, investment projects, and labor migration. —Harsh V. Pant, Time, 5 Dec. 2025

As part of its efforts to tighten control over the waters, China maintains a persistent presence of naval and coast guard vessels, supported by reefs that have been expanded into outposts with military infrastructure, including aviation and defensive facilities. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2025

The helicopter is built by Sichuan Tengden Technology, a private company known for unmanned aviation systems. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 5 Dec. 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