vacuum
/ˈvæk.juːm/ IELTSAcademic
noun
A space with no air or other gas. In science, it means a nearly empty space. In everyday English, it often means the inside of a vacuum cleaner.
- The experiment happened in a vacuum.
- Dust collects inside the vacuum.
verb
To clean a floor, carpet, or other surface with a vacuum cleaner.
- I vacuum the living room every Sunday.
- Please vacuum the stairs before guests arrive.
Adinary Nuance
Vacuum is broader than vacuum cleaner. The noun can mean empty space in science, while the verb means to clean with a vacuum cleaner. It is also different from sweep or clean because vacuuming uses suction, not a broom or cloth.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- chân không
- Spanish
- vacío
- Chinese
- 真空
- Japanese
- 真空
- Korean
- 진공
Etymology
Vacuum comes from Latin vacuus, meaning 'empty.' It entered English in the 16th century, first in scientific writing.
Common phrases
in a vacuuma vacuum cleanervacuum the floorvacuum-packed
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is vacuum a noun or a verb?
- It is both. As a noun, it means empty space or a vacuum cleaner. As a verb, it means to clean with a vacuum cleaner.
- What is the difference between vacuum and sweep?
- Vacuum uses suction to remove dirt. Sweep uses a broom and works best on hard floors.
- Is vacuum used in formal writing?
- Yes, especially in science and academic writing. The verb is common in everyday speech too.