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

They included the heating, the plumbing, and the air conditioning.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

The Thai government has asked people to take their jackets off as part of measures to cut down on the amount of energy consumed by air conditioning units.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

"In the US West, the seasons that people and nature were used to for centuries are disappearing, putting many, including outdoor workers and those without air conditioning in danger," she said.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

County residents without access to air conditioning are encouraged to seek relief at a county pool, splash pad or cooling center near them.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2026

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

From "Typical American" by Gish Jen