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.
Use proper protective equipment and ventilation when using cleaning products, for example. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 13 Feb. 2026 Minimize high-heat styling and ensure good ventilation during styling. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 12 Feb. 2026 The house arrives with a pre-wired electrical system, which includes lighting, switches, sockets, and ventilation. Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026 Accounts from workers detailing severe heat stress, unsafe drinking water and a lack of ventilation and cooling systems underpin many of the report’s findings. Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 10 Feb. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ventilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventilation. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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

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