# respirator

/ˈɹɛspɝˌeɪtɝ/ (US) · /ɹɪspˈɪɹeɪtɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/respirator
Updated: 2026-10-14

## Definition

a mask you wear over your mouth and nose to clean the air you breathe. You use it to stay safe from dust, smoke, chemicals, or germs.

For teachers: a protective mask worn over the mouth and nose to filter inhaled air against dust, fumes, or pathogens. Distinguished from a loose surgical mask by its close seal and higher filtration efficiency.

## Examples

- She wears a respirator when she paints the house.
- The construction workers wear respirators to avoid breathing in concrete dust during the demolition.
- Despite the summer heat, the lab technician keeps her respirator sealed tight while handling volatile solvents that could damage her lungs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.