How Do You Spell Vacuum? | Definition & Uses

The correct spelling of vacuum includes one “c,” two “u’s,” and ends with an “m.” That means “vacume,” “vaccum,” and  “vaccuum” are incorrect spellings. As a noun, “vacuum” refers to a space devoid of matter or a device used for cleaning. As a verb, it refers to the act of using this device.

Examples: Vacuum in a sentence
As an aspiring astronaut, I’m fascinated by the vacuum of space.

I’m going to the store to buy a new vacuum cleaner.

My mom asked me to vacuum the house before the guests arrive.

How to spell vacuum

The correct spelling of “vacuum” is v-a-c-u-u-m, regardless of whether the word is being used as a noun or a verb. There are many common misspellings, including “vacume,” “vaccum,” “vacum,” “vaccume,” and “vacum.” Spelling “vacuum” can be difficult because English words that contain two consecutive “u’s” are uncommon.

Examples: How to spell vacuum
  • The last thing I have to do before I leave is vacuum the living room.
  • Suzie has to vacume, and then she can go play outside.
  • I asked Leon if he could vaccum the store for me while I’m gone.
  • The sales associate helped me buy the best and most affordable vacum.
  • Buying a vaccume is necessary because my dog sheds so much.

Vacuum definition

“Vacuum” can function as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, “vacuum” has a few different meanings. In physics, “vacuum” specifically refers to the emptiness found in space but can also refer to any area that has an absence of matter (e.g., “Scientists remain baffled by the vacuum of space”).

Additionally, the word “vacuum” is sometimes used figuratively to describe a situation where something is entirely missing (e.g., “During the government shutdown, there was a vacuum of power”).

But “vacuum” has a more commonplace meaning, too. It is a shortened version of the compound word “vacuum cleaner,” which is a device that uses suction to clean up dust, dirt, particles, and more from the floor (e.g., “I left the vacuum stored in the garage”).

Examples: Vacuum as a noun
In my quantum physics course, I’m learning about the properties of a vacuum.

When the boss resigned unexpectedly, the company found itself in a leadership vacuum.

Lucas experienced a vacuum of guidance and mentorship when his father was deployed.

It sounded ridiculous to many, but all I wanted for Christmas was a good vacuum.

Cooper is terrified of the vacuum because of the loud noise it makes.

As a verb, “vacuum” means “to use a vacuum cleaner to clean” (e.g., “I will vacuum soon”). It’s a regular verb, meaning its past tense and past participle forms are both “vacuumed.” Other forms of “vacuum” include “vacuums” (third-person singular) and “vacuuming” (present participle and gerund).

Examples: Vacuum as a verb
I vacuum my apartment three times a week.

My roommate’s usual order of chores is to sweep, vacuum, and then mop.

The floor was so dirty that I vacuumed it twice.

My husband was surprised to find our teenage son vacuuming when he got home.

Whenever the cleaning lady vacuums, I have to leave the office.

Note
“Vacuums” is also the plural form of the noun, regardless whether it’s being used to refer to an absence of something (e.g., “There were many political vacuums during that time”) or the cleaning device (e.g., “All the vacuums were on sale”).

Frequently asked questions about how to spell vacuum

What does vaccum mean?

“Vaccum” is an incorrect spelling of the word “vacuum.”

“Vacuum” can be used as a noun meaning “emptiness of space” or when referring to a cleaning device that suctions dirt, dust, and more off the floor. As a verb, “vacuum” means “to use a vacuum cleaner.”

What is vaccuming?

“Vaccuming” is an incorrect spelling of “vacuuming,” which is the present participle form of the verbvacuum” (e.g., “I was vacuuming when you knocked, so I didn’t hear you”).

Is it vaccum or vacuum?

The correct spelling is “vacuum” (with one “c,” two “u’s,” and ending with the letter “m”). “Vaccum” is a common incorrect spelling of “vacuum.”

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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.