aeronautics

noun

aero·​nau·​tics ˌer-ə-ˈnȯ-tiks 

-ˈnä-

plural in form but singular in construction

1

: a science dealing with the operation of aircraft

2

: the art or science of flight

aeronautical

ˌer-ə-ˈnȯ-ti-kəl 

-ˈnä-

adjective

or less commonly aeronautic

ˌer-ə-ˈnȯ-tik 

-ˈnä-

aeronautically

ˌer-ə-ˈnȯ-ti-k(ə-)lē 

-ˈnä-

adverb

Examples of aeronautics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Based on the facts of Earhart’s final voyage, the company was searching in the right place, as Dorothy Cochrane, an aeronautics curator at the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, tells Smithsonian magazine. —Ellen Wexler, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024

At this time, the agency remains focused on its current direction to advance our Moon to Mars exploration approach, new scientific discoveries, and innovations in aeronautics and space technology for the benefit of all. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

The missile part coming down the Lockheed Martin aeronautics line wasn't quite right. —Heather Newman, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Lefebvre himself is a bit of a suit who spent 19 years as a finance executive at an aeronautics firm before joining Cirque. —Phil Wahba, Fortune, 24 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

aeronautic "of or relating to the art or science of flight" (borrowed from New Latin aëronauticus, from Greek aero- aero- + nautikós "of ships, of seafaring") + -ics — more at nautical

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

aeronautics

noun

aero·​nau·​tics ˌar-ə-ˈnȯt-iks 

ˌer-

1

: a science dealing with the operation of aircraft

2

: the art or science of flight

aeronautical

-ˈnȯt-i-kəl 

adjective