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

These networks of sensors picked up the vibrations from earthquakes as the waves of energy moved below the Earth’s surface, and scientists used that data to analyze the rock structures far below the outer crust. — Gregory B. Hladky, courant.com, "New Research Discovers Surprising Seismic Activity Under New England," 26 June 2018 Before a note of music is piped into your ears, Nuraphones analyze your hearing much the way infants’ ears are tested—with sonar-sensitive microphones and software that measure the vibrations from your cochlea. — Matthew Kronsberg, WSJ, "Smart Headphones Tailor Made to Your Sense of Hearing," 20 June 2018 Some felt vibrations or heard loud sounds mysteriously audible in only parts of rooms, and others heard nothing. — Fox News, "State Department issues warning after US employee in China suffers possible sonic attack," 23 May 2018 But under optimal conditions, the team was able to detect and distinguish vibrations from close to four miles away. — Brigit Katz, Smithsonian, "Earthquake-Monitoring Technology May Help Protect Elephants from Poachers," 9 May 2018 Now, the tower should be capable of withstanding the strongest possible earthquake Tokyo could face, and will reduce the vibrations from any seismic event by 50 percent. — Sophie Weiner, Popular Mechanics, "How Tokyo's Skytree Uses Ancient Technology to Withstand Earthquakes," 12 May 2017 In the thriftiest mode, touchscreen, Bluetooth, vibration alerts, and optical heart rate are all shut off; the screen is dimmed to 10 percent and set to go dark after 10 seconds; and GPS is set to update every 120 seconds. — Ariella Gintzler, Outside Online, "Testing the Suunto 9 Sports Watch," 6 July 2018 In a vibration test of the telescope earlier this year in California by prime contractor Northrop Grumman, dozens of loose fasteners — some 70 pieces in all — came off. — Marcia Dunn, OrlandoSentinel.com, "More delay, cost for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope," 28 June 2018 Loud Noise Can Kill Cells in the Inner Ear Sound waves cause vibration in the ear drum, which triggers movement of hair cells called cilia in the inner ear. — Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Protect your ears: you might not realize what’s hurting them," 19 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.