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

Standard multi-color leather front seats include heating and ventilation functions. —ABC News, 22 Apr. 2026

Cove and Sanjar creek the rusty metal door of one of the bunkers open and enter, shining flashlights down the old pipes and ventilation shafts in search of woodrats and cotton mice, which often use the pipes as nesting sites. —Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 19 Apr. 2026

Check under sinks and around tubs/toilets for leaks; dry out wet areas and improve ventilation. —Janay Reece, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026

Devotees love how the aluminum walls and constant but surprisingly not-too-loud ventilation keep the air inside fresh, as does a charcoal filter designed to absorb airborne impurities that can creep into bottles through their corks or caps. —Emily Saladino, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for ventilation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

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