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
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Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.
—Maureen Ohare, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
The other is commercial electric aviation.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
All drones must comply with civil aviation rules and are required to be flown behind or to the side of athletes to avoid the possibility of an aerial mishap that could endanger a competitor, Exarchos said.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
The bill also includes $7 million for a project to modernize an aviation support facility for the CT Army National Guard.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 2026
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Maureen Ohare, CNN Money, 14 Feb. 2026
The other is commercial electric aviation.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Feb. 2026
All drones must comply with civil aviation rules and are required to be flown behind or to the side of athletes to avoid the possibility of an aerial mishap that could endanger a competitor, Exarchos said.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 14 Feb. 2026
The bill also includes $7 million for a project to modernize an aviation support facility for the CT Army National Guard.
—Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 13 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 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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