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 of insulation

• 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

Crews were then able to peel back the external wall and insulation and closely target their water hoses to continue cooling the chemical inside, McGovern said. —Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2026

Carolina continues to need more from its skill players, but major contributions from the bottom of the lineup have provided a nice bit of insulation. —Arpon Basu, New York Times, 26 May 2026

The penguin inspiration comes from how the animals manage heat using layered structures, directional insulation, waterproofing, and environmental adaptation. —New Atlas, 25 May 2026

Pay special attention to the spaces around your windows and doors and create air-tight seals there with a weatherstripping foam or insulation kit. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 24 May 2026

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