ventilator

noun

ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce ventilator (audio)
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
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.
Her heart rate and blood pressure dropped, and the doctors put her on a ventilator. Tom Bartlett, The Atlantic, 11 Mar. 2025 Francis is breathing on his own and was not put on a ventilator, a Vatican official speaking on background said earlier Tuesday, Reuters reported. Filip Timotija, The Hill, 18 Feb. 2025 Vitales was taken off a ventilator on Jan. 11 and is breathing on his own, reports The Oklahoman. Raven Brunner, People.com, 20 Jan. 2025 Take away the living quarters, corridors, ventilators, ladders, access ways, and work spaces, and a warship can be shrunk to a remarkable degree. David Szondy, New Atlas, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ventilator

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1743, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ventilator was in 1743

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ventilator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ventilator. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

ventilator

noun
ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce ventilator (audio)
1
: a device for letting in fresh air or driving out bad or stale air
2

Medical Definition

ventilator

noun
ven·​ti·​la·​tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər How to pronounce ventilator (audio)
: 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.

More from Merriam-Webster on ventilator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!