# insulation

/ˌɪnsəˈɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɪnsuːlˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/insulation
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. protective material

noun · CEFR B2

material used to keep a building warm or to stop sound from passing through walls.

For teachers: material used to reduce the rate of heat transfer or sound transmission. Often uncountable when referring to the substance generally.

- The workers put thick insulation in the roof to keep the house warm during winter.
- Installing high-quality fiberglass insulation in the attic is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve a home's energy efficiency.

### 2. electrical protection

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a covering on a wire that stops electricity from escaping or causing a shock.

For teachers: a non-conducting material used to prevent the passage of electricity from a conductor. Typically refers to the protective coating on wiring.

- The plastic insulation on the power cord was cracked, so we had to replace it.
- The technician inspected the wiring for any signs of degraded insulation that might lead to a short circuit or a fire hazard.

### 3. protection from outside influence

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

the state of being protected or separated from outside problems or noise.

For teachers: the state of being detached or isolated from external physical or social influences. Often used figuratively to describe protection from harsh realities.

- Living in a small village provided some insulation from the busy life of the city.
- The diplomat's wealth provided a degree of insulation from the economic hardships affecting the rest of the population.

## Examples

- The workers are putting insulation in the attic today.
- Adding extra insulation to the roof can significantly reduce your heating bills during the winter months.
- Modern building regulations require high-performance insulation to ensure that new structures meet strict energy efficiency standards and minimize their carbon footprint.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.