amplitude

noun

am·​pli·​tude ˈam-plə-ˌtüd How to pronounce amplitude (audio)
-ˌtyüd
1
: the extent or range of a quality, property, process, or phenomenon: such as
a
: the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the mean position to an extreme
b
: the maximum departure of the value of an alternating current or wave from the average value
2
: extent of dignity, excellence, or splendor
3
: the quality or state of being ample : fullness, abundance
… the long unerring lines, the sweep and amplitude of the great artist's stroke …Edith Wharton
4
mathematics : the angle assigned to a complex number when it is plotted in a complex plane using polar coordinates

called also argument

compare absolute value sense 2
5
: the height achieved on a jump by a snowboarder, skateboarder, skier, etc.
" … a lot of my strength in snowboarding is my amplitude … "Shaun White

Examples of amplitude in a Sentence

the amplitude of Thomas Jefferson's interests—government, architecture, agriculture, science, philosophy—is truly awesome
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Only the amplitude of stimulation, measured in volts, is typically adjusted to accommodate individual tolerances or symptom severity. IEEE Spectrum, 30 June 2025 Lightning creates a continuing current with durations ranging from tens to hundreds of milliseconds and exhibit amplitudes from several tens to a few hundreds of amperes. Sabbir Rangwala, Forbes.com, 11 June 2025 The prey robot was programmed to move only once per trial run but each time at different amplitudes. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Mar. 2025 Part of the model processed the pulse signal to identify if the amplitude dropped and if the accelerometer detected any movement. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for amplitude

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin amplitūdin-, amplitūdō "size, extent, eminence, prestige," from amplus "more than adequate in size or extent, ample, eminent" + -i- -i- + -tūdin-, -tūdō -tude

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of amplitude was in 1542

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Cite this Entry

“Amplitude.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/amplitude. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

amplitude

noun
am·​pli·​tude ˈam-plə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce amplitude (audio)
1
: the quality or state of being ample : fullness, abundance
2
3
a
: the extent of a back-and-forth movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the midpoint to an extreme
b
: one half of the up-and-down extent of the vibration of a wave (as of alternating current)

Medical Definition

amplitude

noun
am·​pli·​tude ˈam-plə-ˌt(y)üd How to pronounce amplitude (audio)
: the extent or range of a quality, property, process, or phenomenon: as
a
: the extent of a vibratory movement (as of a pendulum) measured from the mean position to an extreme
b
: the maximum departure of the value of an alternating current or wave from the average value

More from Merriam-Webster on amplitude

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