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 of vibration

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

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

An inaudible heartbeat reverberates through the space at a frequency below human hearing, producing vibrations that can be felt by those standing nearby. — Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 21 July 2026

Temperature fluctuations and even too much vibration or movement over time can have an affect on your wine—particularly for more delicate bottles. — Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 July 2026

For reference, if the crystals were perfectly regular, these vibrations could travel easily. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 19 July 2026

The theater has wind, water, fog, scent, snow, lightning, and vibration effects to capture the feel of being inside the movie. — Zuri Primos july 18, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vibration

• sympathetic vibration

Rhymes for vibration

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

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