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

Hollow melanosomes may have offered insulation suited to an aquatic lifestyle. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2026

Scientists theorize that hollow melanosomes may have offered some form of insulation suited to life in the water. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

Discoveries made during previous excavations of the wreck site include fragments of utensils, fragments of the external copper plating once attached to the ship's hull and a clay slab that officials say likely helped with some kind of insulation. —Emily Mae Czachor, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026

China has built substantial energy insulation, including large crude stockpiles and a decade-long investment in solar, batteries, and electric vehicles. —Ram Charan, Fortune, 19 Mar. 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