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

But history suggests that retreat rarely provides the insulation leaders hope for. —Anjali Chaudhry, Forbes.com, 24 Jan. 2026

Hardware stores sell special insulation to wrap pipes and cover your outdoor spigots. —Star-Telegram Staff, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Jan. 2026

To prevent hypothermia, dress in layers of warm clothing, which traps air between layers forming a protective insulation. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 23 Jan. 2026

Pipes running along exterior walls with little or no insulation. —Alexis Simmerman, Austin American Statesman, 23 Jan. 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