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

Doing so improved aerodynamics, reduced vibrations and road noise, and set the template for the modern car. — Blake Z. Rong, Popular Mechanics, "10 Innovations That Made the Modern Car," 4 Dec. 2018 The same with vibrations and other environmental effects. — Chris Lee, Ars Technica, "Making light twist into a bowtie may reveal dark matter," 12 Nov. 2018 Just watch out for the constant controller vibration. — Julie Muncy, WIRED, "Lumines Remastered Is the Perfect Summer Gaming Treat," 3 July 2018 The noises were often associated with vibrations or air pressure changes, similar to air resonating in a moving car with the windows partially rolled down. — Simon Denyer, Washington Post, "U.S. Embassy warns citizens in China about mystery sonic illness," 8 June 2018 Both engines have lower profiles, allowing designers to lower the hood and cowling, and lower levels of noise, vibration and harshness. — Jeff Yip, Houston Chronicle, "Nissan's all-new 2019 Altima sedan to offer all-wheel-drive, turbo, ProPilot Assist," 30 Mar. 2018 This camera comes with plenty of features to keep an eye on your home, with 1080p video and night vision providing a clear view and motion, sound, and vibration detection keeping it up to speed with movement in the room. — Alexandria Haslam, PCWorld, "Save $40 when you buy Amazon's Fire TV Cube and Cloud Cam together," 1 Nov. 2018 Use skull vibration cancellation for especially loud environments. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The World of 2045," 14 Oct. 2018 The scientists placed geophones, which convert ground vibrations into electronic signals, near the stomping grounds of wild elephants in Kenya. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Earthquake-Monitoring Technology May Help Protect Elephants from Poachers," 9 May 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.