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

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

That way of thinking is alive today in our latest achievement, the TH-Carbonspring oscillator, a new regulating organ developed entirely in-house that redefines mechanical stability and performance. —Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 Nov. 2025

Chris Goldfinger, an Oregon State University marine geologist and lead author of the new paper, compares the process to tuning an analog radio, in which the device’s oscillators are synced up to convert incoming signals. —Jack Tamisiea, Scientific American, 10 Oct. 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