respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
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
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.
Under the Louisiana protocol, which is nearly identical to Alabama's, officials had earlier said Hoffman would be strapped to a gurney before a full-face respirator mask fitted tightly on him. arkansasonline.com, 19 Mar. 2025 Under Louisiana protocol, which is nearly identical to Alabama's, Hoffman will be strapped to a gurney and have a full-face respirator mask — similar to what is used by painters and sandblasters — fitted tightly on him. CBS News, 18 Mar. 2025 Under the state's new procedure, Hoffman will be strapped to a gurney and forced to breathe pure nitrogen gas through a full-face respirator mask. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025 Image Several medical professionals said they were overwhelmed by a fleeting depiction of Wyle’s character wearing a full-body respirator suit at the height of the pandemic. Reggie Ugwu, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for respirator

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of respirator was in 1836

Cite this Entry

“Respirator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respirator. Accessed 5 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

respirator

noun
res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
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 How to pronounce respirator (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on respirator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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