insulator

noun

in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce insulator (audio)
: one that insulates: such as
a
: a material that is a poor conductor (as of electricity or heat) compare semiconductor
b
: a device made of an electrical insulating material and used for separating or supporting conductors

Examples of insulator in a Sentence

Metal is not a good insulator.
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.
It’s made from durable Canadian hemlock wood that not only looks good but also functions as an insulator. Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025 The team’s success in identifying the polaron not only explains the material’s strange switch from metal to insulator but also confirms a key theoretical concept in a new class of materials. Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Nov. 2025 To observe the quantum mechanical motion of this macroscopic phase variable, the three scientists fabricated a device called the Josephson junction, which consists of two pieces of superconductors separated by an insulator layer thinner than 1/10,000 of a human hair. Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 But in the quantum world, matter takes on other forms – superconductors, magnets, topological insulators and, potentially, a slew of other states that non-quantum scientists haven’t even contemplated. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insulator

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulator was in 1801

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insulator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulator. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

insulator

noun
in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce insulator (audio)
: one that insulates
especially : a material that is a poor conductor of heat or electricity or a device made of such material

Medical Definition

insulator

noun
in·​su·​la·​tor ˈin(t)-sə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce insulator (audio)
: a material that is used to provide insulation
also : a device made of such material

More from Merriam-Webster on insulator

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