ventilate
verb
ven·ti·late
ˈven-tə-ˌlāt 
ventilated; ventilating
1
b
: to subject the lungs to ventilation
artificially ventilate a patient in respiratory distress
2
3
a
of a current of air
: to pass or circulate through so as to freshen
b
: to cause fresh air to circulate through (a place, such as a room or a mine)
4
: to provide an opening in (a burning structure) to permit escape of smoke and heat
5
archaic
: to free from chaff by winnowing
Examples of ventilate in a Sentence
She opened the windows to ventilate the room.
The room was adequately ventilated.
Recent Examples on the Web
Make sure bathrooms, basements and laundry areas are well ventilated.
—
Ryan Brennan
may 19, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Ensure attics and basements are well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated before cleaning, and wear gloves to protect your hands from dryness, itchiness, or irritation.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
Providing warm, bright, and well-ventilated conditions can help speed up the drying process.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ventilate
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show current usage.
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Ryan Brennan
may 19, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
Ensure attics and basements are well-ventilated to avoid moisture buildup.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2026
Make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated before cleaning, and wear gloves to protect your hands from dryness, itchiness, or irritation.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 May 2026
Providing warm, bright, and well-ventilated conditions can help speed up the drying process.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for ventilate
Cite this Entry
“Ventilate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventilate. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ventilate
verb
ven·ti·late
ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt
ventilated; ventilating
1
: to discuss freely and openly
ventilate a complaint
2
a
: to expose to air and especially to a current of fresh air
ventilate stored grain
b
: to provide with ventilation
ventilate a room with fans
Medical Definition
ventilate
transitive verb
ven·ti·late
ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt
ventilated; ventilating
1
: to expose to air and especially to a current of fresh air for purifying or refreshing
2
b
: to subject the lungs of (an individual) to ventilation
artificially ventilate a patient in respiratory distress
3
: to give verbal expression to (as mental or emotional conflicts)
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