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
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
Michael RothschildExamples of aviation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
These incidents also follow several high-profile crashes in 2025 that have sparked scrutiny over aviation safety in the U.S.
—Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
New Zealand depends on long-haul aviation for tourism and trade, and the airline imports 100 percent of its jet fuel.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Stryker brigade combat team and a general support aviation battalion were dispatched, the Defense Department said at the time.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025
As for carbon emissions, Marathe said the fashion industry generates 10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
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Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 20 Apr. 2025
New Zealand depends on long-haul aviation for tourism and trade, and the airline imports 100 percent of its jet fuel.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Stryker brigade combat team and a general support aviation battalion were dispatched, the Defense Department said at the time.
—Filip Timotija, The Hill, 16 Apr. 2025
As for carbon emissions, Marathe said the fashion industry generates 10% of global carbon emissions, more than aviation and shipping combined.
—Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
Cite this Entry
“Aviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aviation. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
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aviation
noun
avi·a·tion
ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən
ˌav-ē-
: the operation of aircraft (as airplanes or helicopters) that are heavier than air
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