aeronautics
Americannoun
noun
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The design, construction and operation of aircraft.
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The scientific study of flight through the atmosphere.
Etymology
Origin of aeronautics
1820–25; < New Latin aeronautica or French aéronautique; see aero-, nautical, -ics
Explanation
If you have a passion for airplanes and other aircraft, you might be destined for a career in aeronautics, which is the study and design of flying machines within the atmosphere. Whether your interest lies in building aircraft or flying planes, you can describe your area of interest as aeronautics. The term aviation can also be used, although it typically doesn't include airships or dirigibles, like blimps and zeppelins. The word aeronautics literally means "sailing the air," from the Greek roots aero, "air," and nautikē, "navigation."
Vocabulary lists containing aeronautics
Flying High: Aviation Words
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Elements of the Universe: Aer, Aero ("Air")
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aer, aero
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration had intended to launch Artemis II in 2023.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026
The Artemis II mission is part of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s renewed push to return American astronauts to the moon’s surface.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026
The 30-year-old quit his job at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration last year to co-found Perseus Defense.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 30, 2026
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, has been in the news a lot lately, outlining its strategic objectives and preparing to fly astronauts to the moon and back in just a few days.
From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026
Holding up her right hand, she swore the US Civil Service oath of office, confirming her status as an employee of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
