vibration

noun vi·bra·tion \ vī-ˈbrā-shən \

|Updated on: 15 Jun 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 nation has not yet demonstrated a fully functional reentry vehicle, which carries the warhead atop the ICBM, capable of surviving the searing heat, pressure and vibration of falling from space back to Earth.

— w.j. hennigan, Time, "President Trump Wants North Korea to Give Up Nuclear Weapons. Here's Just How Hard That Would Be," 11 June 2018
This Anchorage business, based in a studio in owner Evie Bear's home, uses sound and vibration therapy with a focus on helping clients with things like stress reduction and mindfulness.

— annie zak, Anchorage Daily News, "Open & Shut: Anchorage gets an Ethiopian restaurant, Wasilla gets Korean," 6 June 2018
Nano-topography measurements can only be taken in a vibration free environment.

— paul brinkmann, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Vibration from Orlando City Stadium construction damaged high-tech business next door, lawsuit says," 31 May 2018
These vibrations are converted into electrical signals that are sent to your brain.

— ben finio, Scientific American, "Make Sprinkles Dance," 31 May 2018
The dream of what literature can mean, and can be, expanded—to the lyric, to the flickering screen, to the soft vibrations of the human voice.

— megan garber, The Atlantic, "The Day the Genius Died," 23 May 2018
By turning the mic over to a new character each episode, the show is trying to convey the spokes coming off of the hub, the vibrations that emanate from one defining moment.

— alison caporimo, Seventeen, ""13 Reasons Why" Season 2 Has Not One, But 13 Different Narrators," 18 May 2018
The collisions should also produce pairs of electrons, triggering electron deficiencies that would amplify the atomic vibrations in the material.

— jay bennett, Popular Mechanics, "The Search for Dark Matter Continues, More Than a Mile Underground," 9 May 2018
And Tone House, arguably one of the most intense workouts in New York City, now offers recovery workshops as well as vibration therapy, compression therapy, and cold tub therapy (sessions range from $20 to $100).

— ashley mateo, The Cut, "Working Out Too Much? There’s a Fitness Class to Fix That," 8 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.

First Known Use of vibration

1635

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

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