vibration
noun
vi·bra·tion
vī-ˈbrā-shən 
1
a
: a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed (as when a stretched cord produces musical tones or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear)
(1)
(2)
: a quivering or trembling motion : quiver
2
: an instance of vibration
3
: vacillation in opinion or action : wavering
4
a
: a characteristic emanation, aura, or spirit that infuses or vitalizes someone or something and that can be instinctively sensed or experienced
—often used in plural
b
: a distinctive usually emotional atmosphere capable of being sensed
—usually used in plural
vibrational
adjective
vī-ˈbrā-sh(ə-)nəl
Examples of vibration in a Sentence
trying to reduce engine vibration
the vibration of the floor caused by thundering feet in the hallway
Recent Examples on the Web
Sound consists of vibrations that the lathe’s stylus etches into grooves on the disc.
—
Richard Gunderman, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Mid-June presents a few setbacks to your otherwise positive vibration.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
Closer to home, physicists study vibrations of atoms, such as those used in atomic clocks, to look for deviations from pure constancy.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 May 2025
The leaks were most likely triggered by vibrations that were more intense than anticipated, SpaceX said before Starship's most recent flight in March.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
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Richard Gunderman, The Conversation, 28 May 2025
Mid-June presents a few setbacks to your otherwise positive vibration.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 27 May 2025
Closer to home, physicists study vibrations of atoms, such as those used in atomic clocks, to look for deviations from pure constancy.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 23 May 2025
The leaks were most likely triggered by vibrations that were more intense than anticipated, SpaceX said before Starship's most recent flight in March.
—John Timmer, ArsTechnica, 22 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
Cite this Entry
“Vibration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibration. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vibration
noun
vi·bra·tion
vī-ˈbrā-shən
1
a
: a rapid motion of the particles of an elastic body or substance back and forth (as when a stretched cord produces a musical tone or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear)
b
: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated
2
: a trembling motion
vibration of a house caused by a passing truck
3
: a feeling or impression that someone or something gives off
—usually used in plural
good vibrations
Medical Definition
vibration
noun
vi·bra·tion
vī-ˈbrā-shən
1
a
: a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed (as when particles of air transmit sounds to the ear)
2
: an instance of vibration
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