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
Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.
—Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
Also included is a 13% increase in funding for the Department of Justice to focus on violent criminals and a $481 million increase in funding to enhance aviation safety and support an air traffic controller hiring surge.
—Lisa Mascaro, Arkansas Online, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent government shutdowns — a major disruption last fall and now a partial, ongoing shutdown — have left key aviation workers without pay and slowed air travel.
—Hayley Cuccinello,leslie Josephs, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
Marianna Massey/Corbis via Getty Images The plane holds a unique place in aviation history.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aviation
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Maureen O'Hare, CNN Money, 4 Apr. 2026
Also included is a 13% increase in funding for the Department of Justice to focus on violent criminals and a $481 million increase in funding to enhance aviation safety and support an air traffic controller hiring surge.
—Lisa Mascaro, Arkansas Online, 4 Apr. 2026
Recent government shutdowns — a major disruption last fall and now a partial, ongoing shutdown — have left key aviation workers without pay and slowed air travel.
—Hayley Cuccinello,leslie Josephs, CNBC, 3 Apr. 2026
Marianna Massey/Corbis via Getty Images The plane holds a unique place in aviation history.
—Christopher Harris, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for aviation
Cite this Entry
“Aviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aviation. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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