resonance

noun

res·​o·​nance ˈre-zə-nən(t)s 

ˈrez-nən(t)s

1

a

: the quality or state of being resonant

b(1)

: a vibration of large amplitude in a mechanical or electrical system caused by a relatively small periodic stimulus of the same or nearly the same period as the natural vibration period of the system

(2)

: the state of adjustment that produces resonance in a mechanical or electrical system

2

a

: the intensification and enriching of a musical tone by supplementary vibration

b

: a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (such as the mouth or the nasal cavity)

c

: a quality of richness or variety

d

: a quality of evoking response

how much resonance the scandal seems to be having

—U.S. News & World Report

3

: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest

4

: the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (such as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species

5

a

: the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system

b

: magnetic resonance

6

: an extremely short-lived elementary particle

7

: a synchronous gravitational relationship of two celestial bodies (such as moons) that orbit a third (such as a planet) which can be expressed as a simple ratio of their orbital periods

Did you know?

Resonance Uses Beyond Sound

Many of the finest musical instruments possess a high degree of resonance which, by producing additional vibrations and echoes of the original sound, enriches and amplifies it. Violins made by the Italian masters Stradivari and Guarneri possess a quality of resonance that later violinmakers have never precisely duplicated. And you may have noticed how a particular note will start something in a room buzzing, as one of the touching surfaces begins to resonate with the note. Because of that, resonance and resonate—along with the adjective resonant—aren't always used to describe sound. For example, you may say that a novel resonates strongly with you because the author seems to be describing your own experiences and feelings.

Examples of resonance in a Sentence

the resonance of the singer's voice

His story didn't have much resonance with the audience.

Recent Examples on the Web

Each has their own way, but the principles of resonance are evident throughout. —Ginny Whitelaw, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025

Despite being no stranger to projects in fashion and luxury, which have included collaborations with Louis Vuitton and watchmaker Hublot, there’s another reason why this one had particular resonance for Murakami. —Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 27 June 2025

The show’s historical inspiration, the Great Oil Sniffer Hoax, a scandal that captivated French media in over 1979-84, has contemporary resonance. —Essie Assibu, Variety, 27 June 2025

By the end, Yarbrough’s piano seems less a physical machine than a zone of resonance. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 23 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English resonaunce, from Middle French resonance, from resoner to resound — more at resound

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing resonance

• functional magnetic resonance imaging
• magnetic resonance
• magnetic resonance imaging
• nuclear magnetic resonance

Kids Definition

resonance

noun

res·​o·​nance ˈrez-ᵊn-ən(t)s 

-nən(t)s

1

: the quality or state of being resonant

2

: a reinforcement of sound (as a musical tone) in a vibrating body or system caused by waves from another body vibrating at nearly the same rate

3

: a vibrating quality of a voice sound

Medical Definition

resonance

noun

res·​o·​nance ˈrez-ᵊn-ən(t)s, ˈrez-nən(t)s 

1

: a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (as the mouth or the nasal cavity)

2

: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest

3

: the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species

4

a

: the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system

b

: magnetic resonance see electron spin resonance