insulator

noun

in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlā-tər 

: one that insulates: such as

a

: a material that is a poor conductor (as of electricity or heat) compare semiconductor

b

: a device made of an electrical insulating material and used for separating or supporting conductors

Examples of insulator in a Sentence

Metal is not a good insulator.

Recent Examples on the Web

Data from these sensors is fed directly into AI models trained on anomaly detection that identifies maintenance issues such as vegetation encroaching on power lines or broken insulators. — Edd Gent, IEEE Spectrum, 29 Oct. 2026

Investigators blamed the nozzle problem’s first occurrence in 2024 on a manufacturing defect in an insulator meant to protect the nozzle’s metallic structure from the rocket’s superheated exhaust. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026

Achieving incredible data transmission speed The researcher fabricated the device using a 300-millimeter silicon-on-insulator manufacturing process. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2026

They’re joined by California chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and unions representing ironworkers, insulators and builders of elevators and escalators. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for insulator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

insulator

noun

in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt-ər 

: one that insulates

especially : a material that is a poor conductor of heat or electricity or a device made of such material

Medical Definition

insulator

noun

in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt-ər 

: a material that is used to provide insulation

also : a device made of such material