ventilation
Americannoun
-
the act of ventilating.
-
the state of being ventilated.
-
facilities or equipment for providing ventilation.
noun
-
the act or process of ventilating or the state of being ventilated
-
an installation in a building that provides a supply of fresh air
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of ventilation
1425–75; late Middle English ventilacioun < Latin ventilātiōn- (stem of ventilātiō ), equivalent to ventilāt ( us ) ( see 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."
Vocabulary lists containing ventilation
Holes
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Ventus and Venire
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for March 12–March 18, 2022
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
US investigators say it has reinforced walls, rail and ventilation systems, an electricity supply, and was accessed using a hydraulic lift.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
Much of Delhi's informal migrant workforce lives in densely-packed settlements with unreliable electricity, poor ventilation and no air-conditioning.
From BBC • May 28, 2026
When cooking with oils or fats, people should avoid very high temperatures and use a ventilation fan when possible.
From Los Angeles Times • May 14, 2026
The 20-room facility is the only quarantine facility funded by the federal government in the U.S., and its rooms are equipped with personal bathrooms, exercise equipment, Wi-Fi and special ventilation systems, according to the center.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 9, 2026
The ventilation system was not designed for so many people, and everyone had been working every waking moment without much time for personal hygiene.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
