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 group said air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals often work grueling schedules of six days a week and 10-hour days. —Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 31 Oct. 2025

Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay. —Tamara Hardingham-Gill, CNN Money, 31 Oct. 2025

The innovation, detailed in a new study published in the journal Nature Communications, could help aviation meet its target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

As part of the Federal Aviation Administration regulations, administrators cannot interfere with or restrict federal and civil aviation activities, explained Stephanie McFarland, a spokesperson for airport officials. —Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 31 Oct. 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