ventilator

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər 

plural ventilators

: something or someone that ventilates: such as

a

: a device for introducing fresh air or expelling foul or stagnant air

b

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration

especially : a mechanized device that enables the delivery or movement of air and oxygen into the lungs of a patient whose breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate : mechanical ventilator

Note: Modern, computerized mechanical ventilators typically monitor and customize gas delivery, maintain a constant pressure in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, and deliver air and oxygen to the lungs by way of an endotracheal tube.

Examples of ventilator in a Sentence

The patient was put on a ventilator.

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, Ballinger said, what about a patient on a ventilator, or a woman in labor or who just gave birth to a child? —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 7 Feb. 2025

The woman had spent months in intensive care, rendered quadriplegic and unable to breathe without a ventilator. —Byjennifer Couzin-Frankel, science.org, 14 Nov. 2024

Benthic sharks, which can rest on the ocean floor, tend to have shorter, rounded pectoral fins, while pelagic sharks, which are obligate ram ventilators that must continuously swim to breathe, have longer, more streamlined fins. —Melissa Cristina Marquez, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024

However, this child was left vulnerable...and [their parents] now faced the anguish of watching their child fight for their life on a ventilator. —Ars Technica, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

ventilate + -or entry 1 (perhaps after Latin ventilātor "winnower")

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing ventilator

• mechanical ventilator

Kids Definition

ventilator

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər 

1

: a device for letting in fresh air or driving out bad or stale air

2

: respirator sense 2

Medical Definition

ventilator

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər 

: a device for maintaining artificial respiration

especially : a mechanized device that enables the delivery or movement of air and oxygen into the lungs of a patient whose breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate : mechanical ventilator

Note: Modern, computerized mechanical ventilators typically monitor and customize gas delivery, maintain a constant pressure in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, and deliver air and oxygen to the lungs by way of an endotracheal tube.