air conditioning

American  

[air kuhn-dish-uh-ning] / ˈɛər kənˈdɪʃ ə nɪŋ /

noun

1. a system or process for controlling the temperature, humidity, and sometimes the purity of the air in an interior, as of an office, theater, laboratory, or house, especially one capable of cooling.

2. an air-conditioning system or unit.

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air conditioning British  

noun

1. a system or process for controlling the temperature and sometimes the humidity and purity of the air in a house, etc

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Other Word Forms

• air conditioner
  noun
• air-conditioning
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of air conditioning

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

air conditioning

The air conditioning units had undergone maintenance, but the report says this is not the same as a safety check.

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

Back in 2018, the hospital's air conditioning units had been approved to be replaced and upgraded, but eight years later this hadn't happened.

From BBC ● Sep. 16, 2026

Much of Laos's distribution grid dates back to the 1970s, and now struggles to keep pace with an increasingly modern economy of tourism, massive infrastructure, urban development and air conditioning.

From Barron's ● Sep. 13, 2026

Residents are advised to check on those at high risk for heat-related illness, including people with preexisting conditions, older adults, pregnant women, children and anyone without access to air conditioning.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026

We walk side by side and get hit by a blast of air conditioning when we step into the rest stop.

From "Pride" by Ibi Zoboi