vibration

play

noun vi·bra·tion \ vī-ˈbrā-shən \

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 entire room, weighing nearly 3 million pounds, rests on 61 pneumatic mounts that isolate the room from any vibrations from adjacent laboratories.

— rick barrett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Harley-Davidson unveils its largest-ever product development project," 22 Aug. 2017
Tommaso has been living and thinking and dreaming about his seal (who is most likely great at sensing vibrations through his whiskers) for more than 30 years.

— will nevin, OregonLive.com, "Tomorrow's Books Today #4: 'Spy Seal' #1 dives into funky fun in Cold War animal espionage," 14 Aug. 2017
Cleanup crews had to stop work after large chunks of ground fell into the hole, which officials say may have been caused by vibrations from trucks and heavy equipment near the hole, the Times reported.

— scott andera, ajc, "Florida sinkhole that destroyed two homes widens," 5 Aug. 2017
The device, which straps to the back of a barber’s hand while a blender-looking engine sends vibrations through fingers, was first used by barbers in the 1940s and has become a staple of the Tijuana barber scene.

— phillip molnar, Pacific San Diego Magazine, "Tijuana barber shops are all the rage," 24 July 2017
The IG report adds jackhammering, the vibrations of heavy trucks, and other mechanical actions can also dislodge those particles.

— jennifer larino, NOLA.com, "Should New Orleanians be concerned about lead in their tap water? New report says yes," 19 July 2017
Its 10 concrete pads were designed as vibration-free platforms for telescopes, but scientists who work at the more rugged site will probably need to camp beside their equipment.

— nicholas st. fleur, The Seattle Times, "College town in Illinois gets ready for its moment under no sun," 14 July 2017
With the app, each partner can control the vibrations and explore intimacy from anywhere in the world.

— allison underhill, Health.com, "Yes, You Can Use Your Phone as a Vibrator—But Should You?," 6 July 2017
Avoid ’em: Shuffling carefully into the water one foot at a time creates gentle vibrations that alert stingrays to your presence.

— bonnie berkowitz, chicagotribune.com, "10 creatures that can ruin your day at the beach," 30 June 2017

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

vibration Synonyms

Synonyms

jiggling, oscillation, quivering, shaking, shivering, shuddering, trembling, twitching

Related Words

juddering [chiefly British], quaking, rocking; jiggle, palpitation, quiver, shake, shiver, shudder, tremble, tremor, twitch

VIBRATION Defined for English Language Learners

vibration

play

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

VIBRATION Defined for Kids

vibration

play

noun vi·bra·tion \ vī-ˈbrā-shən \

Definition of vibration for Students

1 :a rapid motion (as of a stretched cord) back and forth

2 :the action of moving or causing to move back and forth or from side to side very quickly :the state of being swung back and forth

3 :a trembling motion

Medical Dictionary

vibration

play

noun vi·bra·tion \ vī-ˈbrā-shən \

medical Definition of vibration

b :the action of vibrating :the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion

2 :an instance of vibration

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vibrate

play \ˈvī-ˌbrāt\ verb vibrated; vibrating

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vibrational

play \-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl\ adjective

Learn More about vibration

See words that rhyme with vibration Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for vibration Spanish Central: Translation of vibration Nglish: Translation of vibration for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of vibration for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about vibration

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Examples of vibration in a Sentence

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Synonyms

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VIBRATION Defined for English Language Learners

vibration

Definition of vibration for English Language Learners

VIBRATION Defined for Kids

vibration

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Medical Dictionary

vibration

medical Definition of vibration

vibrate

vibrational

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