noun
Uncommon
suction
SUHK-shuhn
Suction (noun) means a force that pulls or holds things together because the pressure in a space is lower than the pressure around it. Example: “The vacuum cleaner uses suction to lift dirt from the carpet.”
noun
1
A force that pulls or holds things together because the pressure in a space is lower than the pressure around it.
"The vacuum cleaner uses suction to lift dirt from the carpet."
"The rubber sucker stuck to the tile through suction."
verb
1
To draw something up or in by lowering the pressure in a space.
"The dentist suctioned saliva from the patient's mouth during the procedure."
How to use suction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe pulling force created when pressure is lower in one space than another, so things get drawn in or held on.
Common pairings
create suction
suction cup
suction power
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like suction.
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
- suctions
- Third person singular
- suctions
- Past tense
- suctioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The vacuum cleaner uses _____ to lift dirt from the carpet.
Etymology
From Latin sūctiō, related to sūgō, "to suck." The word has been used in English since the early 1600s.
Class of 1600
suction joined the language around 1600.
See the full Class of 1600 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for suction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for suction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “suction” mean?
The word “suction” means a force that pulls or holds things together because the pressure in a space is lower than the pressure around it. In plain terms, the pulling force created when pressure is lower in one space than another, so things get drawn in or held on.
How do you pronounce “suction”?
“Suction” is pronounced SUHK-shuhn (/ˈsʌkʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “suction” in a sentence?
Here is “suction” used in a sentence: “The vacuum cleaner uses suction to lift dirt from the carpet.”
What is the opposite of “suction”?
The opposite of “suction” — its antonyms — is unsuction.
What part of speech is “suction”?
Depending on how it is used, “suction” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “suction” come from?
The word “suction” dates back to around 1600 and comes from Latin. From Latin sūctiō, related to sūgō, "to suck." The word has been used in English since the early 1600s.
Is “suction” a common word?
“Suction” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “suction” have?
“Suction” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a force that pulls or holds things together because the pressure in a space is lower than the pressure around it.
