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

The mats are essentially weatherproof insulation, somewhat akin to the insulation used in housing. —Evan Bush, NBC news, 27 Mar. 2026

Its rust-resistant 18/8 stainless steel construction features insulation that keeps liquids hot or cold for up to 24 hours. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 26 Mar. 2026

Despite the insulation of their self-regard, strugglers were not immune from these larger political currents. —Taran Khan, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026

That compressor draws heat from a 2-gallon water bucket wrapped in about 1-inch foam panels and fiberglass wool insulation, which slows heat transfer. —Munis Raza, Interesting Engineering, 24 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