fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən 
-chü-ˈā-
plural fluctuations
: an act or instance of fluctuating : an irregular shifting back and forth or up and down in the level, strength, or value of something
Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected.
Some fluctuation in real estate values is not unusual.
North American species in general, having contended with blazing July days and frosty September nights as they evolved, are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations than tropical species are.—
Jonathan Franzen
Jonathan FranzenExamples of fluctuation in a Sentence
political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets
Recent Examples on the Web
Store in the deli drawer or crisper drawer of your refrigerator, where temperature fluctuations are less intense.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
That led to allegations that Ticketmaster was using its controversial dynamic pricing model, which allows for price fluctuations based on demand.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
The process also faces accuracy issues, as fluctuations in parameter optimization can impact control over shape and size.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Choose the Ideal Storage Space Antiques are often made from fragile materials that can be negatively affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
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Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 28 Sep. 2025
That led to allegations that Ticketmaster was using its controversial dynamic pricing model, which allows for price fluctuations based on demand.
—Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 25 Sep. 2025
The process also faces accuracy issues, as fluctuations in parameter optimization can impact control over shape and size.
—Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 Sep. 2025
Choose the Ideal Storage Space Antiques are often made from fragile materials that can be negatively affected by temperature and humidity fluctuations.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuation. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən
1
: a motion like that of waves
especially
: the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion
2
a
: a slight and nonheritable variation
especially
: such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors
b
: recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)
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