easy
A vacuum cleaner picked up the crumbs.
What does Vacuum mean?
A vacuum is empty space or a suction cleaner.
Dictionary definition
A vacuum is a space with little or no matter, or a machine that cleans by suction.
Example sentences
Vacuum in a sentence
medium
Outer space is close to a vacuum because it has very little matter.
hard
In science, a vacuum helps students understand what happens when air and matter are removed from a space.
Writing practice
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Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Vacuum
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does vacuum mean?
Vacuum means a vacuum is empty space or a suction cleaner.
Practice 2
Which word is closest in meaning to vacuum?
Empty space is close in meaning to vacuum in this entry.
Practice 3
Which word is a useful contrast for vacuum?
Filled space is a useful contrast for vacuum.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Vacuum
Voice settings
Sounds like
vak · yoom · strongest beat: vak
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordVacuum.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningVacuum means A vacuum is empty space or a suction cleaner.
ExampleExample: A vacuum cleaner picked up the crumbs.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- vak · yoom
- Strongest beat
- vak
- Ending
- yoom
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on vak.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Vacuum
empty spaceUse when vacuum means a space with very little matter.
suction cleanerUse for the cleaning machine sense.
Antonyms
Opposite words
filled spaceUse for an area containing matter.
atmosphereUse as a contrast for a space filled with air.
Synonym practice
Want to practice vacuum synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The vacuum cleaned crumbs from the rug," then compare close word choices. Practice vacuum synonyms.
Word family
Vacuum word family
Base word
vacuum
verb
vacuumed
Cleaned with a vacuum.
verb
vacuuming
Cleaning with a vacuum.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Vacuum
Hint for students
Vacuum has two useful meanings: mostly empty space in science, and a cleaner that uses suction.
Common mix-up
Do not confuse a science vacuum with a vacuum cleaner. One is a mostly empty space; the other is a machine.
Try it in class or at home
Write one sentence that shows vacuum without using the word vacuum. Then underline the clue words that show empty space or suction cleaning. Example: The machine used suction to pull dust from the rug. Clue words: machine, suction, pull dust, rug Now try your own sentence. Ask: Does my sentence show empty space or cleaning by suction?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "Outer space is close to a vacuum because it has very little matter." Why does vacuum fit better than filled space?
Learning activities
Practice Vacuum and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice VACUUM” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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