avi·a·tion
| \ ˌā-vē-ˈā-shən
, ˌa-\
, ˌa-\
Definition of aviation
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
… the basic division of human flight into aviation (heavier-than-air flight) with its aviators, and aerostation (lighter-than-air flight) with its aeronauts. — Charles H. Gibbs-Smith
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