vestibular

adjective

ves·​tib·​u·​lar ve-ˈsti-byə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or functioning as a vestibule

2

: of, relating to, or affecting the perception of body position and movement

the vestibular system of the inner ear

Examples of vestibular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

That happens automatically, mostly through the vestibular system — the network of tunnels and small, sensory hairs in the inner ear that relays information from the outside world to the brain. —Erin Allday, San Francisco Chronicle, 1 Mar. 2026

The vestibular system, which is located in the inner ear, the somatosensory system, which controls your movements and helps your brain understand what your body is sensing, and vision all play a role in your overall balance. —Cassie Hurwitz, SELF, 11 Feb. 2026

According to a patent and early developmental descriptions, EPIC was designed to use radio-frequency energy to disrupt the vestibular system, which governs balance and spatial orientation. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 15 Jan. 2026

Thompson, who lives outside of Charleston, South Carolina, still struggles with migraines and vestibular disorders that cause vertigo and nausea. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vestibular

• cooler
• jeweller
• ruler
• schooler
• schuller
• preschooler

Medical Definition

vestibular

adjective

ves·​tib·​u·​lar ve-ˈstib-yə-lər 

1

: of or relating to the vestibule of the inner ear, the vestibular system, the vestibular nerve, or the vestibular sense

vestibular impulses

2

: lying within or facing the vestibule of the mouth

the vestibular surface of a tooth

vestibularly adverb