insulation

noun

in·​su·​la·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: material used in insulating

2

a

: the state of being insulated

b

: the action of insulating

Synonyms

• solitude
• privacy
• isolation
• segregation

Examples of insulation in a Sentence

These materials provide the insulation needed in cold weather.

she had grown up in such rural insulation that she'd never met anyone of a different race

Recent Examples on the Web

Believe it or not, heavy-duty curtains can help with insulation, so consider adding a set if your windows are currently bare. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Oct. 2025

As a Boy Scout, Ministry of Supply cofounder and president Gihan Amarasiriwardena fed Mylar through a paper shredder to improvise insulation for his sleeping bag. —Khanh T.l. Tran, USA Today, 21 Oct. 2025

This plastic-free bottle pairs one of the most sustainable products, bamboo, with sleek, double-wall stainless steel vacuum insulation. —Clay Abney, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2025

Eve's fabric choices include light-filtering (partial darkness), blackout (total darkness), and light-filtering with insulation (which uses a metallic backing that reflects and filters sunlight). —PC Magazine, 20 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Rhymes for insulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

insulation

noun

in·​su·​la·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act of insulating : the state of being insulated

2

: material used in insulating

Medical Definition

insulation

noun

in·​su·​la·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the action of separating a conductor from conducting bodies by means of nonconductors so as to prevent transfer of electricity, heat, or sound

also : the state resulting from such action

2

: material used to provide insulation

insulate

ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt 

transitive verb

insulated; insulating