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

Ultrasonic humidifier: These popular choices use high-frequency vibration to produce a fine mist with quiet fans. — Paige Szmodis, Popular Mechanics, "Breathe Easier With One of These 8 Best Humidifiers," 13 Sep. 2019 Then, David Shultz writes forScience magazine, the researchers monitored the angry crabs with a combination of X-ray imaging and a vibration-sensing laser. — Meilan Solly, Smithsonian, "Ghost Crabs Use Teeth in Their Stomachs to Ward Off Predators," 12 Sep. 2019 Using vibration sensing lasers and X-ray imaging, the researchers discovered that aggressive noises were coming from the crabs' gastric mill. — Amy Woodyatt And Allen Kim, CNN, "Ghost crabs 'growl' from their stomachs, scientists find," 12 Sep. 2019 According to it, the vast zoo of particle species are different vibration patterns of a single type of primitive and featureless thing called a string. — George Musser, Scientific American, "The Search for Truth in Physics," 25 Aug. 2019 Cracks from the noise vibrations have appeared in the walls and window seals, the lawsuit claims. — Gene Johnson, The Seattle Times, "Whidbey Island residents sue Navy over Growler jet noise," 16 Sep. 2019 Weather stations in Manitoba recorded the vibrations. — Christopher Borrelli, chicagotribune.com, "With duct tape and 72 magnets, scientists are looking for a meteor on the bottom of Lake Michigan. Will they find it?," 28 Aug. 2019 The rapid vibrations actually act as lymphatic massages that kickstart drainage. — Braelyn Wood, Health.com, "The 3 Face Massager Benefits You Should Know About," 8 Aug. 2019 Some worried the vibrations would crack foundations over time and had played a role in the disintegration of old pipes. — Jon Murray, The Denver Post, "Interstate 70 project in Denver gets noise variance renewal but not for as long as contractor sought," 8 Aug. 2019

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.