vibration

noun

vi·bra·tion | \ vī-ˈbrā-shən

Definition of vibration

1a : a periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium when that equilibrium has been disturbed (as when a stretched cord produces musical tones or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear)

b : the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion: such as

(1) : oscillation

(2) : a quivering or trembling motion : quiver

2 : an instance of vibration

3 : vacillation in opinion or action : wavering

4a : a characteristic emanation, aura, or spirit that infuses or vitalizes someone or something and that can be instinctively sensed or experienced —often used in plural

b : a distinctive usually emotional atmosphere capable of being sensed —usually used in plural

Other Words from vibration Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about vibration

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Other Words from vibration

vibrational \ vī-ˈbrā-shnəl

, -shə-nᵊl \ adjective

vibrationless \ vī-ˈbrā-shən-ləs

\ adjective

Examples of vibration in a Sentence

trying to reduce engine vibration the vibration of the floor caused by thundering feet in the hallway

Recent Examples on the Web

But about 30 seconds in, a wave of vibrations spawned by the rocket's massive engines washed over the causeway. — Mike Wall, Space.com, "A Fireball and a Wall of Sound: What NASA's Epic Solar Probe Launch Felt Like," 14 Aug. 2018 The downside The Jetta’s good fuel economy comes in part at the cost of noticeable engine vibration, as the transmission holds higher gears at low rpm to squeeze maximum distance from every gallon of gasoline. — Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, "Review: 2019 Jetta is Volkswagen’s best compact sedan," 12 July 2018 Busch, who had complained of a vibration for most of the race, was running third when the part finally broke and dumped oil across the track. — Fox News, "Kevin Harvick wins Dover NASCAR race for 4th win of the season," 7 May 2018 Busch, who had complained of a vibration for most of the race, was running third when the part finally broke and dumped oil across the track. — Dan Gelston, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Kevin Harvick takes the checkered flag at Dover for Cup series-best 4th win," 6 May 2018 The psychoacoustic effects of continuous artillery bombardment and vibrations could be devastating to those at the front. — Chuck Thompson, Popular Mechanics, "What You Need To Know Before Watching "They Shall Not Grow Old"," 28 Dec. 2018 Since hydrogen and deuterium have identical shapes but different vibrational frequencies, the results again suggested that our noses could indeed detect vibrations. — Tim Folger, Discover Magazine, "How Quantum Mechanics Lets Us See, Smell and Touch," 24 Oct. 2018 Wet, sandy soil also separated and came alive through liquefaction in some areas due to the earthquake’s radical vibrations. — Andi Jatmiko, The Seattle Times, "Indonesia expert warned of quake, gov’t mapped risk areas," 9 Oct. 2018 There were also very demanding standards for temperature and vibration – standards that both enhance effectiveness and the safety of users. — Allison Barrie, Fox News, "Weapons upgrade set to make US Special Operations even more deadly," 13 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'vibration.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.