ventilation

American  

[ven-tl-ey-shuhn] / ˌvɛn tlˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of ventilating.

2. the state of being ventilated.

3. facilities or equipment for providing ventilation.

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ventilation British  

/ ˌvɛntɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of ventilating or the state of being ventilated

2. an installation in a building that provides a supply of fresh air

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Other Word Forms

• nonventilation noun
• overventilation noun
• reventilation noun
• underventilation noun
• ventilative adjective
• ventilatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of ventilation

1425–75; late Middle English ventilacioun < Latin ventilātiōn- (stem of ventilātiō ), equivalent to ventilāt ( us ) ( ventilate ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

Ventilation is when you let fresh air into a place, or air a room out. If you've ever been in a stuffy, hot room and said, "Someone open a window!" you know what it meas to need ventilation. Ventilation airs out an indoor space by letting fresh air in and stale or smelly air out, and it's more effective if you open several windows on opposite sides of the house or building. A fan in the window can also aid ventilation. The root word is the Latin ventulus, "a breeze," which comes from ventus, "wind."

Example Sentences

Richards conducted studies of air quality in homes, ventilation and nutrition and advocated for food labeling, safe preservatives and sanitation standards in kitchens and food markets.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 9, 2026

They further claim that at the time of Ramos’ embalming, Risher lacked a suitable space to store human remains and lacked a preparation room equipped with necessary drainage, ventilation and supplies for proper embalming.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

Void decks were initially built for ventilation and to prevent floods, before evolving into spaces where residents exercise, play games and hang out.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

The submarine vanished on November 15, 2017 after reporting that seawater had entered the ventilation system, causing a battery on the vessel to short-circuit and start a fire.

From Barron's • Mar. 4, 2026

Once opened, the combined mines caused so many ventilation problems, Dad had to take over both of them.

From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam