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)

b

: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion: such as

(1)

: oscillation

(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

vī-ˈbrā-sh(ə-)nəl

 

adjective

vibrationless

vī-ˈbrā-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• jiggling
• oscillation
• quivering
• shaking
• shivering
• shuddering
• trembling
• twitching

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

It is also rumored that Taylor Swift will join the cast as Dazzler, a superheroine who can convert sound vibrations into light and energy beams. —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024

Lures such as spinners that produce high vibration can be felt by a pike’s lateral line from a great distance. —Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 18 Apr. 2024

Ultrasonic: Ultrasonic humidifiers use ultrasonic vibrations to emit mist. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Apr. 2024

In the middle ear, the spot inside the eardrum that turns vibrations in the air into ripples in the inner ear’s fluids has three bones. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 4 Apr. 2024

This device offers 12,000 sonic vibrations per minute, has unique gum sweeps, and is easy to use. —Daley Quinn, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2024

The explosions, the police said, are expected to sound like thunder with send vibrations. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 11 Mar. 2024

Keep in Mind These gloves have limited impact and vibration protection. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Apr. 2024

Plenty of walking pads will gather dust next to our vibration pads and gua sha sets. —Tatum Hunter, Washington Post, 4 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vibration

• sympathetic vibration

Kids 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

vibrational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

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)

b

: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion

2

: an instance of vibration

vibrate

ˈvī-ˌbrāt 

verb

vibrated; vibrating

vibrational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective