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

Unlike the hobbyists’ systems, the multimillion-dollar simulators used to train commercial pilots closely replicate vibrations from turbulence, stalls that rob wings of lift and other sensations that can’t be duplicated at home. — Andy Pasztor, WSJ, "Flight-Simulator Enthusiasts Confident of Real-World Skills," 16 Aug. 2018 Your vibrations are magnetic, so don’t be surprised if love starts falling directly in your lap. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "What August's Gemini Horoscope Means for You," 30 July 2018 The brush head gently oscillates in a way that feels almost like a vibration. — Jessica Teich, USA TODAY, "Ulta is having an amazing sale on all the expensive makeup you love," 21 Mar. 2018 The enchanted synchronicities that fuel mystical rhythms, the nonphysical vibrations that generate magick. — Aliza Kelly Faragher, Allure, "Why Do People Think the Number 13 Is Unlucky? Let's Talk About Triskaidekaphobia," 29 Aug. 2018 Feel the vibrations that exist inside your own body. — Bess Matassa, Teen Vogue, "Weekly Horoscopes August 27-September 2," 20 Aug. 2018 In a kind of physics irony, the vibrations that helped create resistance before now help keep the pairs of electrons together. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "“Random” noise pours cold water on room-temperature superconductivity," 13 Aug. 2018 For a hundred years, microphones consisted of a relatively large membrane whose vibrations were converted to electrical impulses. — Christopher Mims, WSJ, "All Ears: Always-On Listening Devices Could Soon Be Everywhere," 12 July 2018 Then, in 2007, Ken Wheeler, an aircraft designer and bike tourer, discovered that the best vibration damping, durability, strength and stiffness came from a hollow bicycle frame made of … wood? — Roy M. Wallack, latimes.com, "Summer is calling: Fitness gear to get you outdoors – and moving," 5 July 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.