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.
Hanging from the ceiling is a model of the Wright brothers’ first production airplane — the aviation pioneers were from nearby Dayton and an inspiration for Armstrong. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 There’s a large analog central tachometer accompanied by physical toggle switches and an analog aviation style compass. — New Atlas, 5 Aug. 2026 The company has introduced ZEE, an aviation foundation model designed to predict aircraft movements on airport surfaces several minutes into the future. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026 Fashion houses, like Fendi, design furniture lines, while automakers like Aston Martin and Pagani have collaborated on yacht and aviation interiors. — Zahra Tayeb, Fortune, 4 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 7 Aug. 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
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