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

This Hydro Flask bottle, available in 21- or 24-ounce sizes, has double-wall insulation to keep drinks cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours. —Olivia Bria, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

The 30-ounce capacity and reliable insulation also make this water bottle practical beyond its viral appeal. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 June 2026

Older homes often lack the high-quality insulation used in modern homes, so your heating and cooling systems have to work harder. —Kat Tretina, Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026

The number of nuclear power plants rose sharply over the course of the decade, as did public transit options and new efficiency standards for vehicles and home insulation. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 3 June 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