# ventilation

/ˌvɛnəˈɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /vˌɛntɪlˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ventilation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. fresh air circulation

noun · CEFR B2

the movement of fresh air around a room or building to replace old air.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. breathing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the physical act of breathing air in and out of your lungs.

For teachers: the physiological process of inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide.

- 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.

### 3. medical breathing support

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the use of a machine to help a person breathe when they cannot do it themselves.

For teachers: 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.

### 4. public discussion

noun · CEFR C2 · Formal

the act of talking about a problem or idea openly so everyone knows about it.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The kitchen needs better ventilation to remove the cooking smells.
- Proper ventilation in the office is essential to prevent the spread of airborne viruses among staff.
- The patient required mechanical ventilation after the surgery to ensure adequate oxygen levels while the anesthesia wore off.

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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.