insulation

noun

in·​su·​la·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce insulation (audio)
Synonyms of insulationnext
1
: material used in insulating
2
a
: the state of being insulated
b
: the action of insulating

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Its signature double insulation keeps iced drinks cold for 24 hours and hot bevvies warm for up to six hours. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2026 One neighbor’s insulation had become entangled in the trees. Isabel Yip, NBC news, 7 Mar. 2026 Elevate Insulation Don’t allow foam board insulation to contact the ground because termites can tunnel through it into a structure. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2026 Indigenous cultures often harvested the plants for bedding material and structural insulation. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 5 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insulation

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulation was in 1798

Cite this Entry

“Insulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulation. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

insulation

noun
in·​su·​la·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce insulation (audio)
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 How to pronounce insulation (audio)
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 transitive verb
insulated; insulating

More from Merriam-Webster on insulation

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