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

To protect worshippers from the extreme heat, authorities rely on one of the most powerful air conditioning systems in the world to cool the Grand Mosque's courtyards, according to Saudi state television.

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

Cooling measures in healthcare facilities, care homes and schools are called for - from air conditioning to using shutters and blinds and tree-planting to provide shade.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

“Since 1976, air conditioning systems changed and agencies around the world have more stringent cleaning and hygiene standards for cooling towers and large-scale air-conditioning systems,” the CDC says.

From Los Angeles Times • May 18, 2026

Food spoils because of a lack of refrigeration, and people can’t use air conditioning or fans as temperatures rise to the high 80s.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 2026

The sun-baked car didn’t have air conditioning and the back of my shirt turned into wet adhesive, binding clammy skin to black leatherette.

From "Anthem of a Reluctant Prophet" by Joanne Proulx