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
Speaking at the air show, Bedford blamed former President Joe Biden's administration for a lack of engagement on aviation issues.
—Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Flights are delayed by an average of 77 minutes, federal aviation officials said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 25 July 2025
Skydancing The name Skydance comes from Ellison’s love of aviation and it was originally based out of a hangar at the Santa Monica airport.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2025
The adjustments are part of a broader industry practice where airlines publish their schedules about 330 days out and then refine the number of flights closer to the time the flights are scheduled, according to the aviation data firm OAG.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 23 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for aviation
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Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 July 2025
Flights are delayed by an average of 77 minutes, federal aviation officials said.
—Lauren Penington, Denver Post, 25 July 2025
Skydancing The name Skydance comes from Ellison’s love of aviation and it was originally based out of a hangar at the Santa Monica airport.
—Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 July 2025
The adjustments are part of a broader industry practice where airlines publish their schedules about 330 days out and then refine the number of flights closer to the time the flights are scheduled, according to the aviation data firm OAG.
—Michael Salerno, AZCentral.com, 23 July 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 29 Jul. 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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