modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmä-jə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an inflection of the tone or pitch of the voice

specifically : the use of stress or pitch to convey meaning

2

: a regulating according to measure or proportion : tempering

3

: a change from one musical key to another by modulating

4

: the process of modulating a carrier or signal (as in radio)

also : the result of this process

Examples of modulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its precise force modulation and flexible motion suit both industrial applications and household tasks. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 26 Jan. 2026

One study published in 2018 that is often cited by those concerned about a connection analyzed the impact of whole-body radio frequency radiation on rats at a frequency and modulations used by cell phones. —Tingting Tan, EverydayHealth.com, 23 Jan. 2026

The genius of these troubling characters is embedded in their full dramatic contexts, requiring more than rhetorical flourishes and vocal modulations to bring them to life. —Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 17 Jan. 2026

Lewis says Bacharach’s changes of tempo, meter, chord progression and modulation add a complexity to otherwise accessible tunes. —Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 8 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modulation

• amplitude modulation
• frequency modulation
• phase modulation

Rhymes for modulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an action of modulating

2

: the extent or degree by which something is modulated

3

: a change from one musical key to another by using a chord that is found in both keys

4

: the process of modulating a carrier wave or signal (as in radio)

also : the result of this process

Medical Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of modulating

2

: a reversible change in histological structure due to physiological factors