ventilation

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce ventilation (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Suspecting heat problem, zoo keepers provided ventilation and a water sprinkler to cool her down. — ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 Covid-19 wasn’t immediately recognized as a disease with airborne transmission with the potential to spread beyond the 6-foot social distancing measure, especially in places with poor ventilation or around activities with heavy breathing. — Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Made of plastic sheets, the shelters trap heat during the day and offer little ventilation, forcing many families to spend hours outside. — Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026 The Right Ventilation Your root cellar needs proper ventilation in order to keep your fruits and vegetables healthy. — Helena Madden, Martha Stewart, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ventilation

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ventilation was in 1664

Phrases Containing ventilation

Rhymes for ventilation

See All Rhymes for ventilation

Browse Nearby Words

ventilating millstone
ventilation
ventilative
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Cite this Entry

“Ventilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventilation. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ventilation

noun
ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən How to pronounce ventilation (audio)
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 How to pronounce ventilation (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on ventilation

Nglish: Translation of ventilation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ventilation

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