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
In a new study, researchers aimed to create strong interactions between light and molecular vibrations.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025
No sound check, just out onstage feeling the dark mass of the audience, guided by the sounds in my ears and the floor monitors and the vibrations of it all.
—Kim Gordon, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
These vibrations, caused by the enthusiastic dancing of fans, showed significant spikes during specific songs.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Each Raptor engine must fire in perfect synchronization, maintaining stability during launch while withstanding extreme forces and vibrations.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
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IEEE Spectrum, 4 Sep. 2025
No sound check, just out onstage feeling the dark mass of the audience, guided by the sounds in my ears and the floor monitors and the vibrations of it all.
—Kim Gordon, Rolling Stone, 3 Sep. 2025
These vibrations, caused by the enthusiastic dancing of fans, showed significant spikes during specific songs.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2025
Each Raptor engine must fire in perfect synchronization, maintaining stability during launch while withstanding extreme forces and vibrations.
—Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 1 Sep. 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 8 Sep. 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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