Word
ventilation
Phoneticsven·ti·la·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌvɛnəˈɫeɪʃən/
UK/vˌɛntɪlˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01fresh air circulation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the movement of fresh air around a room or building to replace old air.
n. the process of replacing stale or noxious air with fresh air within an enclosed space.
“The classroom has very poor ventilation because the windows are stuck shut.”
“Modern office buildings require sophisticated ventilation systems to maintain air quality and regulate temperature in windowless interior zones.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun when discussing the general quality of air.
Synonyms
02breathing
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. the physical act of breathing air in and out of your lungs.
n. the physiological process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.
Español:ventilación
“The doctor checked the patient's ventilation to make sure they were breathing deeply enough.”
“During intense physical exercise, the rate of pulmonary ventilation increases significantly to meet the muscles' demand for oxygen.”
Usage
In medical contexts, this refers specifically to the movement of gas in and out of the lungs.
Synonyms
03medical breathing support
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Medicine Technical
n. the use of a machine to help a person breathe when they cannot do it themselves.
n. the clinical provision of mechanical assistance to maintain or replace a patient's spontaneous breathing.
“The patient was put on mechanical ventilation after the surgery.”
“The medical team monitored the settings on the ventilation unit to ensure the patient was receiving the correct volume of oxygen.”
Usage
Often used as a shorthand for 'mechanical ventilation' in hospital settings.
Synonyms
04public discussion
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Formal
n. the act of talking about a problem or idea openly so everyone knows about it.
n. the public exposure or open discussion of a topic, issue, or grievance.
“The meeting allowed for a full ventilation of all the staff's complaints.”
“The committee felt that a public ventilation of the proposed changes was necessary before a final vote could be taken.”
Teaching tip
This is a figurative use of the word; it implies 'airing out' ideas like one would air out a room.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“With the house now air-tight, a ventilation system went in to ensure that the air inside the house was kept constantly fresh.” “In practice, taking advantage of natural ventilation often comes down to letting cool air in at night and keeping hot air out during the day.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French ventilation, from Old French ventilacion, from Late Latin ventilatio, from Latin ventilo. Morphologically ventilate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/ventilation
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0