respirator

American  

[res-puh-rey-ter] / ˈrɛs pəˌreɪ tər /

noun

1. a masklike device, usually of nonwoven fibrous materials, as fiberglass paper, wool felt, or polypropylene, worn over the mouth, or nose and mouth, to prevent the inhalation of noxious substances, pathogens, or the like.

   Respirators are essential protective equipment for healthcare providers during an outbreak.

2. Medicine/Medical. ventilator.

3. British. gas mask.

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respirator British  

/ ˈrɛspəˌreɪtə /

noun

1. an apparatus for providing long-term artificial respiration

2. Also called: gas mask.  a device worn over the mouth and nose to prevent inhalation of noxious fumes or to warm cold air before it is breathed

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Etymology

Origin of respirator

First recorded in 1835–40; from Latin respīrāt(us), past participle of respīrāre “to recover one's breath” + -or agent suffix; respire, -or ²

Compare meaning

How does respirator compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• ventilator vs. respirator

Example Sentences

In Chiang Mai, doctor Thanakrit Im-iam was wearing a heavy-duty respirator to protect himself.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that dairy workers don a respirator and goggles or a face shield, among other protections, whether they are working with sick animals or not.

From Salon • Aug. 27, 2024

And for the rest of her life she was dependent on a wheelchair operated by a tongue-touch keypad, a respirator that delivered 13 breaths a minute and ultimately a voice-activated computer to write.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

He had a blue-rimmed respirator facemask covering his entire face.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 25, 2024

Dan Dalgard, wearing a respirator and a jumpsuit, selected four sick monkeys for sacrifice, the ones he thought looked the sickest.

From "The Hot Zone" by Richard Preston