noun
Uncommon
insulation
ihns-yuu-LAY-shuhn
Insulation (noun) means Material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity. Example: “They added extra insulation to the roof before winter.”
noun
1
Material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity.
"They added extra insulation to the roof before winter."
"Good insulation keeps the loft warm and lowers heating bills."
"The cable's plastic insulation had cracked, leaving the wire exposed."
2
The state or process of being protected or shielded from something.
"His wealth gave him a degree of insulation from everyday worries."
"Living in a remote village gave the family some insulation from city noise and bustle."
"The scheme offers households some insulation against sudden rises in living costs."
How to use insulation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe material or effect that blocks something from getting through, whether that's cold air or unwanted influence.
Common pairings
thermal insulation
sound insulation
loft insulation
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like insulation.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- insulations
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
They added extra _____ to the roof before winter.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for insulation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for insulation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “insulation” mean?
The word “insulation” means material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity. In plain terms, the material or effect that blocks something from getting through, whether that's cold air or unwanted influence.
How do you pronounce “insulation”?
“Insulation” is pronounced ihns-yuu-LAY-shuhn (/ˌɪnsəˈleɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “insulation” in a sentence?
Here is “insulation” used in a sentence: “They added extra insulation to the roof before winter.”
What part of speech is “insulation”?
“Insulation” is a noun.
Is “insulation” a common word?
“Insulation” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “insulation” have?
“Insulation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity.
What is the difference between insulation and isolation?
Insulation refers to material used to reduce the passage of heat, cold, sound, or electricity, or the state of being protected by such material. Isolation means being separated or set apart from others entirely, without the specific protective function that insulation implies, such as isolating a patient rather than insulating a wall.
What materials are commonly used for insulation?
Common insulation materials include fiberglass, foam board, cellulose, and mineral wool, all chosen for their ability to slow the transfer of heat or cold between spaces. Materials used for sound or electrical insulation, such as rubber or certain plastics, are selected for their resistance to sound waves or electrical current rather than temperature.
Can insulation refer to protection from something other than temperature?
Yes. Insulation can describe the state or process of being shielded from any kind of exposure, not just heat or cold, such as being insulated from criticism or economic insulation from market shocks. This figurative use extends the core idea of a protective barrier to non-physical situations.
