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

Derived Forms

• air conditioner
  noun
• air-conditioning
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of air conditioning

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes already struggle to afford their bills and air conditioning is a must, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 4, 2026

And finally, they’ll examine why the UK and Europe are still so resistant to air conditioning despite being plagued by deadly heatwaves.

From Slate • May 30, 2026

Sandra Evans, who manages Bryn Seiont Newydd nursing home in Caernarfon, said they were "very fortunate" to have air conditioning in communal areas.

From BBC • May 20, 2026

At that time, there was only one boat a month, and the journey took up to six days without any air conditioning, while passengers today can pay for more comfortable sleeping cabins.

From Barron's • May 18, 2026

She reached out and turned the air conditioning down a couple of clicks.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner