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

Its double-wall vacuum insulation is something to be thankful for ahead of Thanksgiving, alongside the portable wine glass’ splash-proof lid and silicone base for setting down your pinot noir without a sound. —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2025

Install this leaf insulation after the ground freezes and remove it when temperatures warm in spring to ensure your plants leaf out well. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Nov. 2025

Earlier this year, Laura Tonkin’s attic was being renovated when one of the workers found an old letter beneath the insulation, according to local media outlet WRAL News. —Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 12 Nov. 2025

Half a trillion already gives him tremendous insulation from other power centers. —Connor Greene, Time, 11 Nov. 2025

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