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

Those offer financial insulation to the top clubs, even if the competitive Champions League qualification process introduces potential variables. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

This eco-friendly alternative avoids chemical separation and repurposes aviation and industrial scrap into valuable materials for thermal insulation, acoustic absorption, and marine oil spill cleanup. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Aug. 2026

Wood, bricks and insulation filled the ruins of the church entryway and media room at 2900 Roswell Avenue, near Quindaro Boulevard. — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

Over the coming months, avionics, scientific instruments and thermal insulation will gradually transform the frame into the flying science laboratory destined for the outer solar system. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 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