ventilator

noun ven·ti·la·tor \ ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər \

Definition of ventilator

:one that ventilates: such as

a :a contrivance for introducing fresh air or expelling foul or stagnant air

b :respirator 2

See ventilator defined for English-language learners

See ventilator defined for kids

Examples of ventilator in a Sentence

The patient was put on a ventilator.

Recent Examples of ventilator from the Web

Cook transport director Debbie Boudreaux said the infants were being moved inland for fear that power outages might disable their ventilators.

— Washington Post, "Texas prepares as Harvey strengthens to Category 2 storm," 25 Aug. 2017
The babies require ventilators, which means any power outage could put them at risk.

— ryan osborne, star-telegram, "Gov. Greg Abbott: Hurricane Harvey will ‘almost certainly’ lead to loss of life," 25 Aug. 2017
Yes, the heart can still beat and a ventilator can provide oxygen, but there is no brain to coordinate the tasks of staying alive.

— sarah zhang, The Atlantic, "The Ethics Issue Blocking Organ Transplant Research," 15 Aug. 2017
UnitedHealth’s policy doesn’t cover patients on ventilators.

— julie appleby, Kaiser Health News, "Drug Puts A $750,000 ‘Price Tag On Life’," 2 Aug. 2017
The judge said that meant Charlie, who has a rare genetic disease called mitochondrial depletion syndrome, should now be transferred to a hospice and have the ventilator that keeps him alive removed.

— jill lawless, The Seattle Times, "UK judge OKs plan for ill baby Charlie to go to a hospice," 27 July 2017
The firm manufactured and sold components for the ventilation side of the HVAC industry, as well as ventilators, blowers, and spare parts.

— bonnie l. cook, Philly.com, "Louis G. Malissa, 93, executive who built ventilation-parts firm," 24 July 2017
While receiving treatment at the local Kaiser Permanente Hospital, Spencer had to be sedated and required a ventilator to breathe, according to You Caring, a fundraising site his family is using to raise money to help pay for his medical care.

— jessica mattern, Country Living, "22-Year-Old Contracts Deadly Virus After Staying in State Park Cabin," 21 July 2017
He was reportedly placed on a ventilator that was turned off Thursday.

— greg larose, NOLA.com, "Catch up on the first 6 seasons of 'Game of Thrones' in 5 minutes," 16 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of ventilator

ventilate + ¹-or (perhaps after Latin ventilātor "winnower")

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1743

See Words from the same year

VENTILATOR Defined for English Language Learners

ventilator

noun

Definition of ventilator for English Language Learners

: a device that lets fresh air enter and move through a room, building, etc.
medical : a device for helping a person to breathe

VENTILATOR Defined for Kids

ventilator

noun ven·ti·la·tor \ ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər \

Definition of ventilator for Students

:a device for letting in fresh air or driving out bad or stale air

Medical Dictionary

ventilator

noun ven·ti·la·tor \ ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər \

medical Definition of ventilator

:respirator 2

Learn More about ventilator

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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up ventilator? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

ventilator

Definition of ventilator

Examples of ventilator in a Sentence

Recent Examples of ventilator from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ventilator

VENTILATOR Defined for English Language Learners

ventilator

Definition of ventilator for English Language Learners

VENTILATOR Defined for Kids

ventilator

Definition of ventilator for Students

Medical Dictionary

ventilator

medical Definition of ventilator

Learn More about ventilator

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

nuncupative

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

I'll Have the Us(ual)

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

Forms of Government Quiz

True or False?

Dictionary Devil

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066

ventilator

Definition of ventilator

Read the Latest from M-W

Examples of ventilator in a Sentence

Recent Examples of ventilator from the Web

Origin and Etymology of ventilator

VENTILATOR Defined for English Language Learners

ventilator

Definition of ventilator for English Language Learners

VENTILATOR Defined for Kids

ventilator

Definition of ventilator for Students

Medical Dictionary

ventilator

medical Definition of ventilator

Learn More about ventilator

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066