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

At the same time, water is injected into this trench at the moment of launch, both to cool the base as well as literally dampen some of the vibrations from the rocket. — Eric Berger, Ars Technica, "As the SpaceX steamroller surges, European rocket industry vows to resist," 20 July 2018 Special isolation feet and pads—or even something as simple as hockey pucks—can further help reduce vibrations from your floor. — Don Melanson, Popular Mechanics, "The Setup: Building a Great Home Entertainment System," 18 July 2018 The water holds the vibration of these words, so talk clearly! — Blake Bakkila, Good Housekeeping, "How to Create Your Own Full Moon Ritual, According to an Expert," 5 Mar. 2019 Separately, string theory, which proposes that forces and particles all arise from the vibrations of tiny stringlike units, gave monopoles yet another thumbs-up. — Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018 As there isn’t a conventional transmission, there also isn’t any annoying vibration when the engine starts up as there is in most hybrids, which is a boon in stop and go traffic. — Gary Gastelu, Fox News, "The 2019 Honda Insight is a strangely normal hybrid," 24 Aug. 2018 As with the turbo four, Nissan claims that this engine offers reduced noise, vibration, and harshness compared with its predecessor, along with more compact packaging. — Joe Lorio, Car and Driver, "2019 Nissan Altima: New Engines and All-Wheel Drive," 29 Mar. 2018 The consent order takes into account the potential dust and vibration from the cleanup, but Inwood Realty’s cleanup plan says most of the debris-sifting would take place at another facility in Rosendale, Queens. — Katie Honan, WSJ, "Lawsuit Says Cleanup of Recycling Plant Threatens $1 Billion Worth of Sony Pictures Films," 30 Dec. 2018 Acceleration and vibration felt no different from the 5.3-liter V-8's usual performance. — Mark Phelan, USA TODAY, "First Drive: What to expect from new four-cylinder engine in Chevrolet Silverado pickup," 22 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.