ventilation

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌven-tə-ˈlā-shən 

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

If you get stranded, stay with your group and vehicle, keeping a window open for ventilation. —Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 2 Nov. 2024

Some of the leading causes to irregular humidity levels is poor ventilation, your surrounding climate, or home's AC unit. —Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 26 Oct. 2024

If increasing the ventilation isn't enough to lower the humidity in your bathroom, consider using a dehumidifier. —Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Oct. 2024

The bottom line: Anyone who sleeps with their window open for extra ventilation will want to make the Linen Duvet Cover their best friend! —Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 2 Oct. 2024

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

Phrases Containing ventilation

• artificial ventilation
• mechanical ventilation

Kids Definition

ventilation

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tion ˌvent-ᵊl-ˈā-shən 

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 

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