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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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of air conditioning

First recorded in 1905–10

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.

See Examples For:

“There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness for anyone, especially for the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors,” the heat advisory said.

From Los Angeles Times Jul. 13, 2026

On Friday the UK's advertising watchdog warned claims in adverts for some portable air conditioning units, shown on Facebook and YouTube, were "too good to be true".

From BBC Jul. 10, 2026

U.S. natural gas futures edged up in rangebound trading with strong power-sector demand to meet air conditioning needs offset by adequate supply.

From The Wall Street Journal Jul. 9, 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

A Ford Mustang this was, maroon, with cream-colored bucket seats and air conditioning.

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen

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