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
Synonyms
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
Bar staff said the sinkhole opened about 1½ months ago and, whenever it was hit by a bus would cause vibrations throughout Temple Bar.
—
Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 24 May 2024
The pack's versatile design includes multiple fixation points for dampers, enhancing vibration resistance throughout its lifetime.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2024
The space plane, which recently underwent vibration, temperature, and pressure testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, will now be assessed further by the team in Florida.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 May 2024
Because the fish can both hear noise and feel vibrations, divers must take care not to, say, bump their speargun on the bottom while listening for croaks.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for vibration 
Jc Reindl, Detroit Free Press, 24 May 2024
The pack's versatile design includes multiple fixation points for dampers, enhancing vibration resistance throughout its lifetime.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 May 2024
The space plane, which recently underwent vibration, temperature, and pressure testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio, will now be assessed further by the team in Florida.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 21 May 2024
Because the fish can both hear noise and feel vibrations, divers must take care not to, say, bump their speargun on the bottom while listening for croaks.
—Natalie Krebs, Outdoor Life, 16 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for vibration
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vibration.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near vibration
Cite this Entry
“Vibration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibration. Accessed 16 Jun. 2024.
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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