vibration

noun vi·bra·tion \ vī-ˈbrā-shən \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Definition of vibration

1 a : 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

4 a : 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

—

vibrational

play \vī-ˈbrā-shnəl, -shə-nᵊl\ adjective

—

vibrationless

play \vī-ˈbrā-shən-ləs\ adjective

See vibration defined for English-language learners

See vibration defined for kids

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 of vibration from the Web

The bad: Trance vibration isn't as effective with other consoles' bigger controllers.

— sam machkovech, Ars Technica, "Lumines Remastered turns the Nintendo Switch into a full-body vibration party," 26 June 2018
But those didn't work as planned — the instrument on Viking 1 failed, and the one on Viking 2 was overwhelmed by vibrations from the Martian winds.

— amina khan, latimes.com, "NASA's InSight mission will look deep into the heart of Mars for clues about its past," 3 May 2018
According to scientists, the seismometer registers vibrations each time the team scores a goal.

— staff, The Christian Science Monitor, "Meanwhile in ... Barcelona, Spain, every time Lionel Messi scores a goal, the city jumps – literally," 3 May 2018
A320neo jetliners with Pratt engines that have a seal found to cause vibrations will no longer be able to fly, India regulators said.

— stephen singer, courant.com, "India Grounds Airbus Planes With Troubled Pratt & Whitney Engines," 12 Mar. 2018
CrystalE Sensors, developing wireless sensors and sensor networks powered by vibrations from industrial machinery or the movement of a swinging door.

— julie washington, cleveland.com, "Case Western's student startups showcased at international Consumer Electronics Show in Vegas," 10 Jan. 2018
Coaches operate on a granular level that exists entirely between the first ticks of the game clock and the final vibrations of the fat lady’s vocal cords.

— david murphy, Philly.com, "How LeBron James' decision may change Sixers' Star Hunt approach | David Murphy," 2 July 2018
After using a weed whacker for a while, your arms are numb from the vibrations.

— cain burdeau, Fox News, "An ancient way to cut grass, scything's also a state of mind," 19 June 2018
Those cables often run beneath roads, and the vibration of traffic overhead introduces noise into the line that interferes with measurements, and must constantly be cancelled out.

— The Economist, "Submarine cables could be repurposed as earthquake detectors," 16 June 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.

First Known Use of vibration

1635

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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vibration Synonyms

Synonyms

air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, atmosphere, aura, climate, flavor, halo, karma, mood, note, odor, patina, smell, temper;

Related Words

mystique, romance;

feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit;

attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait;

color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone;

VIBRATION Defined for English Language Learners

vibration

noun

Definition of vibration for English Language Learners

: a continuous slight shaking movement : a series of small, fast movements back and forth or from side to side
vibrations : a feeling that someone or something gives you