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

Ponda produces BioPuff, a lightweight insulation made from Typha, commonly known as bulrush or cattail. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 13 Aug. 2026

Americans’ very insulation from the wars Washington wages, and the diffuse nature of those wars’ costs, serves to defuse political opposition. — Emma Ashford, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026

The schedule is tougher, the veterans are older, and while there’s a bit more depth than in years past, there still isn’t enough insulation on the two- and three-deep. — Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

Thanks to this year’s record heat waves in Europe, daily energy consumption rose about 30%, forcing the bank to upgrade cooling systems and boilers, add insulation, and expand renewable power generation. — Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 10 Aug. 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