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

Bootcap goes on the toe of ski boots to create an insulation barrier and prevents cold from getting in and heat from getting out. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Hard coolers take up too much storage space; soft coolers don’t offer enough insulation. — Derek Rose, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Lansford said he was never contacted by the builder to come back and finish that job, and that at some point workers covered the vents in the attic with foam insulation. — Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026

Lightweight insulation makes a liner useful during transitional weather, when a heavy winter coat feels like too much. — Ashley Lynch, Miami Herald, 14 Oct. 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