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

Havenith recommends garments with enough room for ventilation, especially in hot outdoor conditions. — Aya Diab, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026

It’s also outfitted with UPF 50, and features a rear mesh window that provides ideal airflow and ventilation. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026

The measure would have created a uniform statewide system to regulate heating, ventilation, air, water and electrical systems in detention centers. — Sofia Williams, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Making memory foam breathe Cooling materials can only do so much if warm air remains trapped inside a mattress, so ventilation makes up another substantial part of the design. — New Atlas, 24 Aug. 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