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
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Absent teachers who aren’t replaced, inadequate ventilation, leaking roofs and bathrooms in disrepair are among the list of complaints that French students began protesting in hopes to gain resolution and attention for underresourced schools. — Beth Collums, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026 Both front seats get three-stage heating and ventilation, while the driver's seat also offers multiple massage modes. — New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2026 Margins for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning provider came in below expectations. — Paulina Likos, CNBC, 23 Oct. 2026 Residents have been instructed to remain indoors, close all windows and doors and turn off all ventilation systems that bring in outside air, according to the city. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 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 27 Oct. 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

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ventilation

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