insulation

noun

in·​su·​la·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce insulation (audio)
Synonyms of insulationnext
1
: material used in insulating
2
a
: the state of being insulated
b
: the action of insulating

Synonyms of insulation

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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
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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.
Former President Joe Biden also invoked the statute to support clean energy manufacturing and supply chains, including minerals used in electric vehicle batteries and the production of of energy-efficient heat pumps and insulation. — Miranda Jeyaretnam, Time, 23 Oct. 2026 The foliage and stem system provide extra insulation and can help hold water in the winter months. — Macie Stump, Southern Living, 22 Oct. 2026 Because Luke’s Diner was essentially a wooden frame without insulation—and the cast and crew constantly shuffled in and out the door—the December and January shoots on the backlot could be brutal. — Mara Reinstein, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 The patent-pending fabric technology delivers the comfort and insulation of traditional sherpa while actively repelling hay, straw, mulch and grass from clinging to the high-pile fleece. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 20 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insulation

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 2b

Time Traveler
The first known use of insulation was in 1798

Rhymes for insulation

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Browse Nearby Words

insulating varnish
insulation
insulation resistance
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Cite this Entry

“Insulation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insulation. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insulation

noun
in·​su·​la·​tion ˌin(t)-sə-ˈlā-shən How to pronounce insulation (audio)
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 How to pronounce insulation (audio)
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 How to pronounce insulation (audio)
transitive verb
insulated; insulating
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