oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈä-sə-ˌlā-tər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Examples of oscillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The defining deal that almost didn’t happen HPE traces its roots back to the Silicon Valley garage where Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard made their first audio oscillators for sound engineers working on Walt Disney’s Fantasia in 1939. — Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 26 June 2026

The study introduces a novel method for controlling quantum harmonic oscillators — systems that mimic vibrating objects such as springs or pendulums at the subatomic level. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026

Here, two oscillators are running at close to but not identical frequencies. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026

These modes are referred to as a damped harmonic oscillator. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oscillator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Medical Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

: a device or mechanism for producing or controlling oscillations

especially : one (as a radio-frequency generator) for producing an alternating current