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

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

People in Thailand have also been asked to keep air conditioning at 26-27C and to conserve fuel by carpooling or using public transport.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2026

Bangladesh has banned the use of air conditioning to cool buildings under 77 degrees Fahrenheit.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Jordan, another U.S. regional ally that is also energy-starved, took similar steps, enacting bans on air conditioning in government offices and private use of government vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

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

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner