vibration

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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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 Remarkably, there’s no engine vibration at idle, although the engine gets raucous when revved. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, "Cheap frills make the 2020 Nissan Sentra a little luxury ride (review)," 26 Sep. 2020 For example: The pop-out door handles have a tiny motor that creates a small vibration when someone opens the door. — Roberto Baldwin, Car and Driver, "Mercedes Floods 2021 S-Class with New and Updated Technology," 2 Sep. 2020 Upon wakeup, users can choose from either a silent, haptic alarm (like a vibration) or gentle sounds. — Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, "iOS 14 Is Apple's Most Android-Like Update Yet," 22 June 2020 In addition to existing ways to harvest energy, from radio waves, solar power and vibration, there are some in development that sound more sci-fi. — Christopher Mims, WSJ, "Battery-Free, Energy-Harvesting Perpetual Machines: The Weird Future of Computing," 3 Oct. 2020 That’s an important step because if the pulleys aren’t aligned, excessive vibration will prematurely wear out belts and bearings. — Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How to Remove Rust From Your Older Tools," 28 Sep. 2020 The red and black lines both clash and concur, but ultimately harmonize in good vibration. — Washington Post, "In the galleries: Studies in ‘anti-landscapes’ and seeing the unseen," 25 Sep. 2020 The cabin is filled with buzz and vibration at even modest speeds—the carpet and glovebox have been removed to save weight, and the residual soundproofing keeps out noise about as well as a screen door would. — Mike Duff, Car and Driver, "2021 McLaren 620R Trades Civility for Quicker Lap Times," 18 Aug. 2020 Some models even offer vibration to help amplify the massage effect. — Jennifer Blair, chicagotribune.com, "The best foot massager of 2020," 30 Sep. 2020

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.