aviation

noun

avi·​a·​tion ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce aviation (audio)
ˌa-
Synonyms of aviationnext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In a blog post on Wednesday, Gates called for a new international organization to manage AI, drawing on elements from a nuclear inspections regime, international aviation regulations and ozone layer protection agreements. — Reuters, NBC news, 27 Aug. 2026 These agencies could be modeled on certain existing systems, such as the global inspections regime for nuclear weapons, regulations for international aviation and agreements that protect the ozone layer. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026 This school year, TCU launched an aviation program, a $10 million AI initiative and the Roach Institute of Athlete Engineering. — Maven Navarro, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 Its potential role has since expanded toward carrier aviation. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for aviation

Word History

Etymology

French, from Latin avis

First Known Use

1865, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of aviation was in 1865

Phrases Containing aviation

Rhymes for aviation

See All Rhymes for aviation

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Aviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aviation. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

aviation

noun
avi·​a·​tion ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən How to pronounce aviation (audio)
ˌav-ē-
: the operation of aircraft (as airplanes or helicopters) that are heavier than air

More from Merriam-Webster on aviation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for aviation

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about aviation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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