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

• aloneness
• isolation
• privacy
• secludedness
• seclusion
• segregation
• separateness
• sequestration
• solitariness
• solitude

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

The shell material effectively blocked wind on multiple testing outings, while its light, synthetic insulation kept our hands warm. —Lisa Jhung, Outside Online, 15 Nov. 2024

Heli Mende, the Hotel Maria's director of business development, says Finnish regulations required that the new hotel have certain sustainability features, such as adequate insulation and a recycling program. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

Routers should always state square footage for coverage, but certain types of construction—thick walls, insulation, and other devices—can interfere with Wi-Fi signals, so don’t expect to enjoy full-speed Wi-Fi at longer distances. —Simon Hill, WIRED, 2 Nov. 2024

There are a number of types of insulation that people can use to keep heat inside their homes. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

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