respirator

noun

res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈre-spə-ˌrā-tər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
plural respirators
1
: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (such as dusts, fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to such a respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2
: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator sense b

Examples of respirator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
For those tackling cleaning their homes without professional help, the CDC recommends wearing an N95 respirator, gloves, and eye protection. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 16 Oct. 2024 Workers urged to wear N95 respirators, face shields Health officials recommend livestock workers wear personal protective equipment, including N95 respirators, goggles, face shields and gloves. Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024 Patients on artificial respirators are suffering ... Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 18 Oct. 2024 The method involves placing a respirator gas mask over the inmate's face to replace breathable air with pure nitrogen gas, causing death by lack of oxygen. CBS News, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for respirator 

Word History

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of respirator was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near respirator

Cite this Entry

“Respirator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respirator. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

respirator

noun
res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
1
: a device covering the mouth and nose especially to prevent the breathing in of harmful substances (as dust or fumes)
2
: a device used to maintain artificial respiration

Medical Definition

respirator

noun
res·​pi·​ra·​tor ˈres-pə-ˌrāt-ər How to pronounce respirator (audio)
1
: a mask or device worn over the mouth and nose to protect the respiratory system by filtering out dangerous substances (as dusts, chemical fumes, or bacteria) from inhaled air

Note: Particulate respirator masks are only able to filter out particles and are not effective against gases or vapors. A numerical rating (such as 95 or 99) is sometimes assigned to a particulate respirator to indicate the percentage of airborne particles filtered. A letter may also be assigned to indicate whether it is somewhat resistant (R), not resistant (NR), or strongly resistant (P) to the degrading effects of oil on proper respirator function.

2
: a device for maintaining artificial respiration : ventilator

More from Merriam-Webster on respirator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!