C1noun2K

Vacuum

UK /["/ˈvækjuːm/"]/US /["/ˈvækjuːm/"]/

Definition

a space that is completely empty of all substances, including all air or other gas

In simple words: A machine that cleans floors and carpets by sucking up dirt.

Examples

  • a vacuum pump *(= one that creates a )*
  • **vacuum-packed** foods *(= in a package from which most of the air has been removed)*
  • Other gases rush in to fill the vacuum.
  • The machine then creates a vacuum.
  • His resignation has created a vacuum which cannot easily be filled.
  • The writer criticized the moral vacuum in society.
  • to give a room a quick vacuum
  • This kind of decision cannot ever be made in a vacuum.

Usage notes

Use 'vacuum' when referring to the cleaning device and its action. It's perfectly appropriate in household contexts, but might be less common in formal writing.

Grammar pattern

vacuum + object

Memory hint

Think of 'vacuum' as a 'vacuuming' monster that sucks up dirt.

Collocations

  • perfect
  • cultural
  • moral
  • create
  • leave
  • produce
  • perfect
  • cultural
  • moral
  • create
  • leave
  • produce

Synonyms

  • cleaner
  • suction cleaner
  • hoover

Antonyms

  • dirt
  • mess

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'vaccuum' — double 'c' is incorrect.
  • Used as a verb incorrectly — should be 'to vacuum' not 'to vacuum cleaner'.