English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Common

aviation

ay-vee-AY-shuhn

Aviation (noun) means the design, building, and flying of aircraft, or the industry built around it. Example: “He has worked in aviation for over twenty years, mostly as a mechanic.”

noun
1
The design, building, and flying of aircraft, or the industry built around it.
"He has worked in aviation for over twenty years, mostly as a mechanic."
"Advances in aviation made long-distance travel far quicker and safer."

How to Use Aviation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEverything to do with flying and building aircraft — the whole industry, not just the act of piloting.

Common pairings
civil aviation aviation industry aviation fuel

Word Forms

aviations plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “aviation” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

He has worked in _____ for over twenty years, mostly as a mechanic.

Etymology

Borrowed from French aviation, built on Latin avis, "bird."

Origin: Latin

aeronautics flight flying aircraft industry airmanship

Related Words

Rhymes for aviation

See all rhymes for aviation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “aviation” mean?

The word “aviation” means the design, building, and flying of aircraft, or the industry built around it. In plain terms, everything to do with flying and building aircraft — the whole industry, not just the act of piloting.

How do you pronounce “aviation”?

“Aviation” is pronounced ay-vee-AY-shuhn (/ˌeɪ̯.viˈeɪ̯.ʃən/ in IPA).

How do you use “aviation” in a sentence?

Here is “aviation” used in a sentence: “He has worked in aviation for over twenty years, mostly as a mechanic.”

What part of speech is “aviation”?

“Aviation” is a noun.

Where does the word “aviation” come from?

The word “aviation” comes from Latin. Borrowed from French aviation, built on Latin avis, "bird.".

Is “aviation” a common word?

“Aviation” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between aviation and aeronautics?

Aviation refers to the practical activity and industry of building and flying aircraft, while aeronautics is the science and study of flight and how aircraft move through the air. Aviation is the broader everyday term, whereas aeronautics is the underlying technical discipline.

What is the difference between civil aviation and military aviation?

Civil aviation covers all non-military flying, including commercial airlines and private aircraft, while military aviation covers aircraft operated by armed forces. Both fall under aviation, but they differ in purpose, regulation, and the types of aircraft used.

What are common collocations with the word aviation?

Aviation frequently appears in phrases such as "aviation industry," "aviation fuel," "aviation safety," and "civil aviation authority." These collocations reflect its use for both the flying of aircraft and the wider industry built around it.

Featured In

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial