suction

1 of 2

noun

suc·​tion ˈsək-shən 

1

: the act or process of sucking

2

a

: the act or process of exerting a force upon a solid, liquid, or gaseous body by reason of reduced air pressure over part of its surface

b

: force so exerted

3

: a device (such as a pipe or fitting) used in a machine that operates by suction

suctional

ˈsək-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

suction

2 of 2

verb

suctioned; suctioning; suctions

transitive verb

: to remove (as from a body cavity or passage) by suction

Examples of suction in a Sentence

Noun

The vacuum cleaner picks up dirt by suction.

The octopus grasps things using suction.

a vacuum cleaner with enough suction to pick up the heaviest particles of dirt

Verb

The surgeon will suction blood out of the area.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

From pet hair to crumbs, this Shark handheld cordless vacuum cleaner can tackle messes large and small, thanks to strong suction and a self-cleaning brush that resists pet hair accumulation. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 May 2026

Dreame Vacuum Deal The Dreame L40 Ultra Gen 2 is a smart self-emptying robot vacuum and mop boasting five suction levels and four cleaning modes as well as an extendable side brush and mop to reach under furniture and into corners. —Cierra Cowan, PC Magazine, 26 May 2026

Verb

The fabric itself feels thick and slightly suctioning, working with the body rather than suppressing your best attributes. —Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 22 May 2026

Sweep the dirt into a dustpan or suction it with your vacuum cleaner. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 14 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Late Latin suction-, suctio, from Latin sugere to suck — more at suck

First Known Use

Noun

1626, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1954, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing suction

• suction cup
• suction pump
• suction stop

Rhymes for suction

• duction
• ruction
• abduction
• adduction
• conduction
• construction
• deduction
• destruction
• eduction
• induction
• instruction
• obstruction

Kids Definition

suction

noun

suc·​tion

ˈsək-shən

1

: the act or process of sucking

2

a

: the action or process of drawing something (as liquid or dust) into a space (as a vacuum cleaner or a pump) by removing air from the space

b

: the force caused by suction

Medical Definition

suction

1 of 2 noun

suc·​tion ˈsək-shən 

1

: the act or process of sucking

2

a

: the act or process of exerting a force upon a solid, liquid, or gaseous body by reason of reduced air pressure over part of its surface

b

: force so exerted

3

: the act or process of removing secretions or fluids from hollow or tubular organs or cavities by means of a tube and a device (as a suction pump) that operates on negative pressure

suction

2 of 2 transitive verb

: to remove from a body cavity or passage by suction