# suction

/ˈsəkʃən/ (US) · /sˈʌkʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/suction
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. physical force

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the force that pulls air or liquid into a space with lower pressure.

For teachers: the force produced by a pressure differential that draws matter into a space or holds two surfaces together.

- The vacuum cleaner lost suction because the bag was completely full.
- The octopus uses the suction from its tentacles to maintain a firm grip on the slippery rocks while hunting in the surf.

### 2. medical/dental tool

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a machine or tube used to pull liquid out of a person's body during surgery or at the dentist.

For teachers: an apparatus used in medical or dental procedures to remove fluids, such as saliva or blood, from a body cavity.

- The dentist used a small tube to provide suction while he worked on my tooth.
- During the operation, the surgical assistant managed the suction to ensure the surgeon had a clear view of the primary incision site.

### 3. social influence

noun · CEFR C2 · Informal · American English · Slang

special power or influence that helps you get what you want.

For teachers: informal social or political influence; the ability to exert 'pull' within an organisation.

- He has enough suction at city hall to get the building permit approved quickly.
- Without significant suction in the front office, the junior executive found it impossible to secure funding for his experimental project.

### 4. to pull by vacuum

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical

to pull something out or hold it in place using a vacuum.

For teachers: to draw out or remove matter by creating a pressure imbalance; to adhere via a partial vacuum.

- The machine will suction the excess water from the carpet in minutes.
- The technician had to suction the remaining coolant from the tank before the damaged valve could be safely replaced.

## Examples

- The vacuum cleaner has very strong suction.
- The doctor used a small tube to apply suction and clear the fluid from the patient's airway.
- Industrial robots often utilize specialized suction cups to lift and manipulate glass panels without leaving the physical marks that mechanical clamps might produce.

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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.