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

Activations — from banks to big tech, booze to beauty products — beckon attendees with the siren call of air conditioning and free WiFi, trading comfort for content and brand loyalty.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 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

The damage was driven by chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs, which were widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and aerosol products.

From Science Daily • Apr. 16, 2026

My dad looks at my shoulders and sees I have goose bumps from the air conditioning.

From "Marcus Vega Doesn't Speak Spanish" by Pablo Cartaya