ventilation

noun ven·ti·la·tion \ ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən \

Definition of ventilation

1 : the act or process of ventilating

2 a : circulation of air

a room with good ventilation

b : the circulation and exchange of gases in the lungs or gills that is basic to respiration

3 : a system or means of providing fresh air

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Recent Examples of ventilation from the Web

The law required large-scale commercial breeders to upgrade their facilities, such as roughly doubling the size of kennels, providing unfettered access to an exercise area, improving ventilation, and using solid instead of wire flooring.

— robert moran, Philly.com, "On Pennsylvania SPCA's honor roll: Rendell, and a Phillies legend and his wife," 25 Oct. 2017
Cutting edge technology combines light, ventilation, aromatherapy, ergonomics, facial recognition, color psychology, to make the latest and greatest NBA locker room.

— david humphrey, star-telegram, "Dirk Nowizki shows a lot of puppy love for namesake guide dog," 5 Oct. 2017
Adding to our test car’s overall comfort were a pair of heated front seats that included optional massage ($1100) and ventilation ($570) functions.

— chris amos, Car and Driver, "2017 Mercedes-AMG GLE43 4Matic," 28 Sep. 2017
The tie-up with Tyco, completed last year, gave the maker of power equipment and building controls a larger portfolio of commercial heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and fire and security offerings.

— cara lombardo, WSJ, "Johnson Controls Accelerates CEO Succession Plan," 21 Aug. 2017
That paradox gets to the nub of this administration’s fraught relationship with ventilation and occlusion.

— katy waldman, Slate Magazine, "What “transparency” means to the Trump administration.," 24 July 2017
To be Certified Humane, egg producers must abide by a host of rules that ensure chickens live in decent conditions, following wonky stuff about monitoring for rodent activity, ventilation, and floor covering in nest boxes.

— adrienne rose johnson, Bon Appetit, "What All of the "Cage-Free" Stuff on Egg Cartons REALLY Means," 27 Mar. 2017
Pollution is causing the stonework to decay, and the plumbing, electrical, drainage and ventilation systems are antiquated, never having undergone a major refurbishment.

— alex morales, Bloomberg.com, "Big Ben Repair Costs Balloon as U.K. Parliament Crumbles," 29 Sep. 2017
In some of the more elaborate tunnels, mechanical fans provided ventilation, electric lines were wired throughout, and mining carts could ferry materials back and forth.

— chicagotribune.com, "A sneak peak at America's war plans for North Korea," 8 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ventilation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of ventilation

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1519

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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VENTILATION Defined for Kids

ventilation

noun ven·ti·la·tion \ ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən \

Definition of ventilation for Students

1 : the act or process of ventilating

2 : a system or means of providing fresh air

Medical Dictionary

ventilation

noun ven·ti·la·tion \ ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən \

medical Definition of ventilation

1 : the act or process of ventilating

2 : the circulation and exchange of gases in the lungs or gills that is basic to respiration

Learn More about ventilation

See words that rhyme with ventilation Spanish Central: Translation of ventilation Nglish: Translation of ventilation for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ventilation for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ventilation

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ventilation

Definition of ventilation

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VENTILATION Defined for Kids

ventilation

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ventilation

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ventilation

Definition of ventilation

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