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

There is a new upturn in the weekly stochastic oscillator from oversold levels, which tends to be a bullish intermediate-term development. —Katie Stockton, CNBC, 21 July 2025

As mentioned, quartz oscillators are susceptible to extreme temperature changes and other factors. —Markus Lutz, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

In this case, a silicon MEMS can create oscillators the size of small semiconductor chips. —Markus Lutz, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

His team has shown that qubits don’t have to be the only engine of computation, with oscillators playing the role of basic information carriers. —Stephen Ornes, Quanta Magazine, 9 June 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