vacuum

1 of 3

noun

vac·​u·​um ˈva-(ˌ)kyüm 

-kyəm

also

-kyü-əm 

plural vacuums or vacua ˈva-kyə-wə 

1

: emptiness of space

2

a

: a space absolutely devoid of matter

b

: a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (such as an air pump)

c

: a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure

3

a

: a state or condition resembling a vacuum : void

… the power vacuum in Indochina after the departure of the French …

—Norman Cousins

b

: a state of isolation from outside influences

… people who live in a vacuum … so that the world outside them is of no moment …

—W. Somerset Maugham

4

: a device creating or utilizing a partial vacuum

especially : vacuum cleaner

vacuum

2 of 3

verb

vacuumed; vacuuming; vacuums

transitive verb

1

: to use a vacuum device (such as a vacuum cleaner) on

vacuum the living room

2

: to draw or take in by or as if by suction

intransitive verb

: to operate a vacuum device

vacuum

3 of 3

adjective

1

: of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum

separated by means of vacuum distillation

2

: of or relating to a vacuum device or system

Examples of vacuum in a Sentence

Noun

the vacuum of outer space

A pump was used to create a vacuum inside the bottle.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Ecologists recommend taking it a step further, and having the divers use a vacuum-like device as well to avoid putting the live organisms back into the water, only to attach to another ship. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 25 July 2026

The Chinese outfit, famous for releasing the world’s first self-cleaning robot mop and vacuum in 2021, continues to forge ahead with innovative designs that combine the latest tech with surprisingly elegant aesthetics. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 24 July 2026

Verb

This is completed alongside standard procedures such as changing headrest covers, replacing reading materials and vacuuming the cabin. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 24 July 2026

Before touching any shaver, vacuum the surface with a soft brush attachment on low suction, then try a lint brush, rubber cleaning gloves or a lint roller with minimal pressure. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

Adjective

To prevent the annoyance of bunching (especially if your washable rug doesn't have a mat underneath), vacuum washable rugs on a low-suction setting with the beater bar turned off. — Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 18 Apr. 2026

The non-vacuum up there is dense enough, in fact, that atmospheric drag keeps pulling the station down, requiring regular orbital boosts. — Corey S Powell, Discover Magazine, 1 Feb. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Medieval Latin (translation of Greek kenón), from neuter of Latin vacuus "empty, unoccupied," from vacāre "to be empty or unoccupied, have space, be free" + -uus, deverbal adjective suffix — more at vacant

First Known Use

Noun

1550, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1922, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Adjective

1825, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing vacuum

• cause/create/leave a vacuum
• in a vacuum
• vacuum bottle
• vacuum cleaner
• vacuum flask
• vacuum gauge
• vacuum-packed
• vacuum pan
• vacuum pump
• vacuum tube

Kids Definition

vacuum

1 of 3 noun

vac·​u·​um ˈvak-yüm  -yu̇-əm 

-yəm

plural vacuums or vacua -yə-wə 

1

a

: a space completely empty of matter

b

: a space from which most of the air has been removed (as by a pump)

2

: vacuum cleaner

vacuum

2 of 3 adjective

: of, containing, producing, or using a partial vacuum

the vacuum method of making coffee

vacuum

3 of 3 verb

: to use a vacuum cleaner on

Etymology

Noun

from Latin vacuum "emptiness," from vacuus "empty"

Medical Definition

vacuum

1 of 2 noun

vac·​u·​um ˈvak-(ˌ)yüm  -yu̇-əm 

-yəm

plural vacuums or vacua -yə-wə 

1

: emptiness of space

2

a

: a space absolutely devoid of matter

b

: a space partially exhausted (as to the highest degree possible) by artificial means (as an air pump)

c

: a degree of rarefaction below atmospheric pressure : negative pressure

vacuum

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, containing, producing, or utilizing a partial vacuum

separated by means of vacuum distillation

2

: of or relating to a vacuum device or system