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

Also, the energy shock unleashed by the conflict has already prompted parts of Asia and the Middle East to limit air conditioning as a way to conserve energy.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 2026

The U.S. uses more energy for air conditioning than the entire continent of Africa uses for all purposes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

She said two members of staff came up, fixed the TV and adjusted the air conditioning because it felt warm.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2026

A passive house is airtight and highly insulated, designed to reduce the need for air conditioning and heating to the highest extent possible.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

It was a warm day, and they had the air conditioning turned all the way up.

From "Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton and Herman Viola