respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər 

plural respirators

1

: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (such as dusts, fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to such a respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator sense b

Examples of respirator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

What started as a table of supplies has become a full wall of respirators, whistles, and hand warmers, all frequently refreshed. —Evan Minsker, Rolling Stone, 7 Feb. 2026

Federal officers have shot munitions at his face respirator and at his back, and launched a tear-gas canister that sparked next to his leg and burned a hole in his costume, the complaint says. —CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026

Those who live in areas that often have wildfire smoke also would benefit from an N95 respirator mask. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 19 Jan. 2026

The family alleges the respirator failed to protect Motley from chemical exposure during the incident. —Beatrice Peterson, ABC News, 19 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for respirator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər 

1

: a device covering the mouth and nose especially to prevent the breathing in of harmful substances (as dust or fumes)

2

: a device used to maintain artificial respiration

Medical Definition

respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər 

1

: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (as dusts, chemical fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to a particulate respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator