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

The latter have more room for cooling fans or passive ventilation, and they aren't expected to live in someone's sweaty hip pocket. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2026

Villas, for example, rely on fans and natural ventilation in lieu of air-conditioning (though beds are equipped with a smart air-circulation system to keep cool at night), while water- and waste management limit the resort's eco-footprint. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

Smugglers now charge up to $25,000 for passage through elaborate tunnels outfitted with lights, ventilation and rail systems. — Steve Fisher, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

The trailer, which police believe Brown was living in, had no air conditioning and only an overhead ventilation system and a box fan. — Avni Trivedi, CNN Money, 7 Sep. 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