vacuum
VAK-yoom
/ˈvækjuːm/
An electrical appliance that cleans floors and other surfaces by sucking up dust and dirt; also, the act of using this appliance.
Can refer to the appliance itself (often shortened from 'vacuum cleaner'), the physical state of empty space, or the action of cleaning.
The story behind the word. Directly borrowed from the Latin noun vacuum, meaning 'an empty space' or 'void,' which is the neuter form of the adjective vacuus (empty). The term was applied to suction-based cleaning machines in the early 20th century.
Word relationships
- hoover: Commonly used as both a noun and verb in British and Irish English, derived from the Hoover brand name.
Commonly confused with
- broom: A broom is a manual tool with bristles used for sweeping, whereas a vacuum is an electric machine that uses suction.
Word family
- vacuous (adjective): Empty; showing a lack of thought or intelligence.
Collocations
- robotic vacuum
- vacuum cleaner
- vacuum the rug
Idioms & expressions
- in a vacuum
Example sentences
- "I need to vacuum the living room carpet before the guests arrive." A weekend chore description.
- "The vacuum has a powerful motor that easily picks up stubborn pet hair." Describing the physical appliance.
Memory hook
Think of a 'vacant' room being completely 'empty'—a vacuum makes the floor empty of dirt. A vacuum makes the dust vacant.
When not to use
Do not use when referring to sweeping with a broom or wiping surfaces with a cloth.
Fun facts
- The earliest motorized vacuum cleaners were so massive they had to be parked on the street in horse-drawn carriages, with long hoses snaked through the windows of the houses being cleaned.
Related words
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