respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər 

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

At least 27 of those injured are in critical condition and are on respirators and fighting for their lives, Serafimova and Toshkovski said. —David Brennan, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2025

Only two other children in New England have been diagnosed with her condition; one died in the first months of life, the other is 10 years old and depends on a respirator and tube feeding. —Elizabeth Broden, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2025

Once combined with existing tariffs, Chinese medical gloves will be taxed at 70% at these new rates, masks and respirators at 45%, and syringes at 120%. —Eric Axel, Boston Herald, 22 Mar. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for respirator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər 

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 

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