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

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

To blunt the impact, Kentucky agreed to erect sound barriers along the interstate; monitor and repair damage from construction vibration; install new pathways into the community; and triple, from $420,000 to $1.2 million, grants to fix Lewisburg facades when construction ends. —The Enquirer, 3 Apr. 2024

The orientation of those vibrations enables scientists to pick out vivid details of magnetic field lines and map their characteristics. —Denise Chow, NBC News, 27 Mar. 2024

The device, which Rabin says is the first third-generation wearable, delivers different types of vibrations to help us in different situations. —Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2024

Burrowing moles, for example, generate tell-tale vibrations that worms can detect. —Popular Science, 6 Mar. 2024

This device pleasures your clit at the same time with three vibration intensities and seven patterns. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 3 Mar. 2024

Gentle electrical currents, pulsing vibration, or percussion may improve blood flow and take some of the manual effort out of massage. —Isabella Ubaldi, Health, 20 Mar. 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