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

India’s use of air conditioning is forecast to boom, and economists say adding air conditioning or other cheaper forms of cooling could help Indian manufacturing and other businesses reduce productivity declines.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 7, 2026

The temperatures were so hot in France that the lack of air conditioning in many parts of hospitals is posing a health risk.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2026

He said schools needed long-term planning and investment, including better cooling systems, adding that he had already spoken with local air conditioning suppliers.

From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026

Public health experts warn that prolonged heat can be especially dangerous because temperatures are expected to remain unusually warm overnight, offering little relief for people without air conditioning.

From Salon • Jul. 3, 2026

“I’m going to spend the day with my dad. Neither of us slept too well last night. Our air conditioning is broken.”

From "A Mango-Shaped Space" by Wendy Mass