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
The path forward is clear: The future of aviation lies in leveraging technology to create a seamless blend of the digital and physical realms, ensuring that every journey is as secure and enjoyable as possible.
—Luke Boddis, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Before marrying the world’s third richest man, Sanchez, a journalist and aviation expert, will lead her fiancé’s Blue Origin NS-31 space mission with six high-profile women, including herself, Katy Perry and Gayle Young, scheduled for March 31, 2025.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
This took down aviation transportation, banking, power… that has never happened.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
Last year there were 85 aviation incidents recorded related to electronic devices heating up, and in 2025, there have been 6 incidents so far, per the FAA.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
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Luke Boddis, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Before marrying the world’s third richest man, Sanchez, a journalist and aviation expert, will lead her fiancé’s Blue Origin NS-31 space mission with six high-profile women, including herself, Katy Perry and Gayle Young, scheduled for March 31, 2025.
—Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 28 Mar. 2025
This took down aviation transportation, banking, power… that has never happened.
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 27 Mar. 2025
Last year there were 85 aviation incidents recorded related to electronic devices heating up, and in 2025, there have been 6 incidents so far, per the FAA.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 25 Mar. 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 31 Mar. 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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