plural vacuums
1
: an empty space in which there is no air or other gas
the vacuum of outer space
: a space from which all or most of the air has been removed
A pump was used to create a vacuum inside the bottle.
a vacuum chamber
2
3
: a situation created when an important person or thing has gone and has not been replaced
—usually singular
Her death has caused/created/left a vacuum [=void] in our lives.
A new leader is needed to fill the vacuum left by his retirement.
vacuums; vacuumed; vacuuming
: to clean (something) with a vacuum cleaner
I vacuumed [=(Brit) hoovered] the living room.
—often + upVacuum up the crumbs on the couch.
I just finished vacuuming.
Cite this Entry
“Vacuum.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/vacuum. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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