ventilator
noun
ven·ti·la·tor ˈven-tə-ˌlā-tər 
plural ventilators
: something or someone that ventilates: such as
a
: a device for introducing fresh air or expelling foul or stagnant air
b
: a device for maintaining artificial respiration
especially : a mechanized device that enables the delivery or movement of air and oxygen into the lungs of a patient whose breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate : mechanical ventilator
Note: Modern, computerized mechanical ventilators typically monitor and customize gas delivery, maintain a constant pressure in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, and deliver air and oxygen to the lungs by way of an endotracheal tube.
Examples of ventilator in a Sentence
The patient was put on a ventilator.
Recent Examples on the Web
Lawrence was hospitalized and placed on a ventilator. —
Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 Her daughter, who suffered a catastrophic brain injury as a child, requires around-the-clock care, including a ventilator, feeding tube and seizure monitoring — which Root largely manages at home. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026 He was airlifted to Kern Medical Center in critical condition, placed on a ventilator, and hospitalized for his wounds. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026 Gould spent the next two days in a coma in the intensive care unit, on a ventilator. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ventilator
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Luke Chinman, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026 Her daughter, who suffered a catastrophic brain injury as a child, requires around-the-clock care, including a ventilator, feeding tube and seizure monitoring — which Root largely manages at home. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026 He was airlifted to Kern Medical Center in critical condition, placed on a ventilator, and hospitalized for his wounds. —Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 20 Apr. 2026 Gould spent the next two days in a coma in the intensive care unit, on a ventilator. —Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ventilator
Cite this Entry
“Ventilator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/ventilator. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ventilator
noun
ven·ti·la·tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər
1
: a device for letting in fresh air or driving out bad or stale air
Medical Definition
ventilator
noun
ven·ti·la·tor ˈvent-ᵊl-ˌāt-ər
: a device for maintaining artificial respiration
especially : a mechanized device that enables the delivery or movement of air and oxygen into the lungs of a patient whose breathing has ceased, is failing, or is inadequate : mechanical ventilator
Note: Modern, computerized mechanical ventilators typically monitor and customize gas delivery, maintain a constant pressure in the lungs to prevent the alveoli from collapsing, and deliver air and oxygen to the lungs by way of an endotracheal tube.
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