vacuum

1 of 3

noun

vac·​u·​um ˈva-(ˌ)kyüm 

-kyəm

also

-kyü-əm 

plural vacuums or vacua ˈva-kyə-wə 

1

: emptiness of space

2

a

: a space absolutely devoid of matter

b

: a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (such as an air pump)

c

: a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure

3

a

: a state or condition resembling a vacuum : void

… the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French …

—Norman Cousins

b

: a state of isolation from outside influences

… people who live in a vacuum … so that the world outside them is of no moment …

—W. Somerset Maugham

4

: a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum

especially : vacuum cleaner

vacuum

2 of 3

verb

vacuumed; vacuuming; vacuums

transitive verb

1

: to use a vacuum device (such as a vacuum cleaner) on

vacuum the living room

2

: to draw or take in by or as if by suction

intransitive verb

: to operate a vacuum device

vacuum

3 of 3

adjective

1

: of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum

separated by means of vacuum distillation

2

: of or relating to a vacuum device or system

Examples of vacuum in a Sentence

Noun

the vacuum of outer space

A pump was used to create a vacuum inside the bottle.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Turning the quantum vacuum into a control knob The challenge is that vacuum fluctuations are normally far too weak to noticeably influence the collective behavior of a macroscopic material. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

The American public distrusts its legal institutions and media outlets, creating a vacuum in which wild conjecture can bloom. — Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026

Verb

Anyone who has ever had to vacuum up pet hair knows that a headlamp is crucial and Bissell PowerClean FurFinder is extra bright. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Aug. 2026

Previous research found these lifeforms are resistant to vacuum, cold and high-energy particles. — Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Adjective

The 20-cubic-meter demonstration tank uses non-vacuum insulation, a technology CB&I is developing for large liquid hydrogen (LH2) storage systems. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 10 Aug. 2026

To prevent the annoyance of bunching (especially if your washable rug doesn't have a mat underneath), vacuum washable rugs on a low-suction setting with the beater bar turned off. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 18 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin (translation of Greek kenón), from neuter of Latin vacuus "empty, unoccupied," from vacāre "to be empty or unoccupied, have space, be free" + -uus, deverbal adjective suffix — more at vacant

First Known Use

Noun

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1922, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vacuum

• cause/create/leave a vacuum
• in a vacuum
• vacuum bottle
• vacuum cleaner
• vacuum flask
• vacuum gauge
• vacuum-packed
• vacuum pan
• vacuum pump
• vacuum tube

Kids Definition

vacuum

1 of 3 noun

vac·​u·​um ˈvak-yüm  -yu̇-əm 

-yəm

plural vacuums or vacua -yə-wə 

1

a

: a space completely empty of matter

b

: a space from which most of the air has been removed (as by a pump)

2

: vacuum cleaner

vacuum

2 of 3 adjective

: of, containing, producing, or using a partial vacuum

the vacuum method of making coffee

vacuum

3 of 3 verb

: to use a vacuum cleaner on

Etymology

Noun

from Latin vacuum "emptiness," from vacuus "empty"

Medical Definition

vacuum

1 of 2 noun

vac·​u·​um ˈvak-(ˌ)yüm  -yu̇-əm 

-yəm

plural vacuums or vacua -yə-wə 

1

: emptiness of space

2

a

: a space absolutely devoid of matter

b

: a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump)

c

: a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure : negative pressure

vacuum

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum

separated by means of vacuum distillation

2

: of or relating to a vacuum device or system