oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈä-sə-ˌlā-tər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Examples of oscillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Before the fretting reaches a head, one of Barbieri’s backing oscillators creeps forward into a nimble major-key ostinato that sounds like it was lifted from a Lorenzo Senni daydream, transforming a slight shift in timbre and time signature into a crescendo of new hope. —Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026

The oscillator is powered by an independent and ultra-low-noise linear regulator and a grounding scheme that eliminates any possible jitter created by the power supply. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026

Quantum field theorists typically describe fields as a collection of oscillators, each of which has its own zero-point energy. —George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 5 Jan. 2026

Our Stochastic oscillator has been coiling in oversold ( < 20) conditions for a considerable period, suggesting building demand from buyers and a scarcity of outstanding sellers. —Jay Woods, CNBC, 18 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1798, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for oscillator

• activator
• actuator
• agitator
• alligator
• allocator
• alternator
• animator
• annotator
• applicator
• arbitrator
• aspirator
• aviator

Kids Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

1

: one that oscillates

2

: a device for producing alternating current

especially : a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator

Medical Definition

oscillator

noun

os·​cil·​la·​tor ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər 

: a device or mechanism for producing or controlling oscillations

especially : one (as a radio-frequency generator) for producing an alternating current