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
Several aviation tragedies have made headlines in recent weeks, leaving many people worried about the safety of their next flight.
—Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Mar. 2025
China-based e-Hang has already certified its two-person, autonomous air taxi with that country’s aviation authority.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
Commercial pilot and licensed psychotherapist shares words of encouragement after recent plane crashes
Michaela Renee Johnson says fear is a natural response to seeing the recent aviation disasters — and shares thoughts on how people can ultimately tackle their fear.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Staffing shortages have increased workloads and heightened concerns about aviation safety.
—Aaron Cooper, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
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Cathy Cassata, Health, 4 Mar. 2025
China-based e-Hang has already certified its two-person, autonomous air taxi with that country’s aviation authority.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 4 Mar. 2025
Commercial pilot and licensed psychotherapist shares words of encouragement after recent plane crashes
Michaela Renee Johnson says fear is a natural response to seeing the recent aviation disasters — and shares thoughts on how people can ultimately tackle their fear.
—Ashley J. Dimella Fox News, Fox News, 3 Mar. 2025
Staffing shortages have increased workloads and heightened concerns about aviation safety.
—Aaron Cooper, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
Articles Related to aviation
Cite this Entry
“Aviation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aviation. Accessed 13 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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