English Reference

Word

avionics

Phoneticsavion·ics

US/ˌeɪviˈɑnɪks/

UK/ˌeɪvɪˈɒnɪks/

Definition

n. the electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft. These systems help with navigation, communication, and keeping the plane safe in the air.

n. the electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites, and spacecraft. Typically refers to the hardware and software that manage navigation, communication, and flight control.

Examples

“Modern avionics make flying much safer and more efficient.”

“The pilot checked the avionics to ensure the autopilot and radar systems were functioning correctly before takeoff.”

“Advances in digital avionics have allowed for the integration of complex sensor data, enabling real-time adjustments to flight paths that were previously impossible with mechanical instruments alone.”

Examples

simple

“Modern avionics make flying much safer and more efficient.”

contextual

“The pilot checked the avionics to ensure the autopilot and radar systems were functioning correctly before takeoff.”

complex

“Advances in digital avionics have allowed for the integration of complex sensor data, enabling real-time adjustments to flight paths that were previously impossible with mechanical instruments alone.”

Real-World Examples

“Those systems include its software, thermal controls, mechanisms, cameras, and the avionics that operate them.”
ScienceDaily · 21 Sept 2026

Etymology

Blend of aviation + electronics.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Domain

Aviation

This entry

Level
C1 · Advanced
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/avionics

English Reference