ventilation

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən 

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

Dad spent his career working at Chrysler in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning design. —Detroit Free Press, 11 Apr. 2024

Before soaring into the moon's shadow during the eclipse, the space station crew performed a variety of other tasks on Monday -- including orbital plumbing, fixing a pair of science freezers and ventilation maintenance. —Stephen Smith, CBS News, 9 Apr. 2024

Moisture and poor ventilation are a volatile duo, which is why picking a breathable rain jacket is key for comfort. —Olivia Avitt, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024

Better ventilation and shorter, not-quite-so-hot showers can reduce the humidity in the room, which in turn reduces the condensation. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 29 Mar. 2024

The jacket is made of breathable fabric and features a ventilation system in the back to help keep you cool and dry when sporting. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 28 Mar. 2024

These baby socks are made from a super-soft cotton and spandex blend that holds up well in the wash and provides plenty of ventilation for little feet. —Maya Polton, Parents, 28 Mar. 2024

But far too few have since upgraded their ventilation and air filtration systems. —Saad B. Omer, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024

In 2017, researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, after reviewing more than 200 scientific studies, reported that temperatures can affect test scores and that poor ventilation is linked to fatigue and shorter attention spans. —Becca Savransky, Idaho Statesman, 27 Mar. 2024

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

Phrases Containing ventilation

• artificial ventilation
• mechanical ventilation

Kids Definition

ventilation

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən 

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 

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