ventilation

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce ventilation (audio)
1
: the act or process of ventilating
2
a
: circulation of air
a room with good ventilation
b(1)
: the circulation and exchange of gases in the lungs or gills that is basic to respiration
(2)
: artificial respiration of the lungs
specifically : mechanical ventilation
ventilation to supply oxygen to the patient's lungs
3
: a system or means of providing fresh air

Examples of ventilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Updates could include adding lighting and signage, making accessibility improvements, and installing a ventilation system. Sydney Franklin, The Enquirer, 2 July 2025 At work, open offices carry constant conversation, ringing phones, and mechanical noise from printers, elevators, and ventilation systems. Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 On Monday afternoon, when the heat index was again over 100 degrees, these second-floor offices had to close because of problems with the ventilation system. Lily Carey, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2025 However, these cleaners are more harsh in their makeup and post more health hazards from the need of ventilation. Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for ventilation

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin ventilātiōn-, ventilātiō, from ventilāre "to expose to the air, ventilate" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of action nouns

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ventilation was in 1664

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ventilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventilation. Accessed 9 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

ventilation

noun
ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən How to pronounce ventilation (audio)
1
: the act or process of ventilating
2
: circulation of air
a room with good ventilation
3
: a system or means of providing fresh air

Medical Definition

ventilation

noun
ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən How to pronounce ventilation (audio)
1
: the circulation and exchange of gases in the lungs or gills that is basic to respiration
2
: artificial respiration of the lungs
specifically : mechanical ventilation
began ventilation to supply oxygen to the patient's lungs
3
: the circulation of air through a space and especially an enclosed space

More from Merriam-Webster on ventilation

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