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

Our security writer put together a guide to stopping those obnoxious all-day pocket vibrations. — Alex Baker-whitcomb, WIRED, "Keanu’s E3 Surprise, a Government Photo Hack, and More News," 10 June 2019 All three drives spin at 7,200rpm with 256MB of DRAM cache, and feature rotational vibrations sensors and firmware that will compensate for outside vibrational interference. — Jon L. Jacobi, PCWorld, "Seagate is the first to hit 16TB capacity with its IronWolf, IronWolf Pro, and Exos x16 hard drives," 4 June 2019 Likewise, the carbon frame itself is designed to reduce shock and vibration. — Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "The Best Road Bikes for Every Cyclist," 8 May 2019 Relaxis is a vibration pad that goes under the legs, and Restiffic is a pressure wrap that goes around the legs or feet. — Kristin Auble, SELF, "9 Facts to Know About Restless Legs Syndrome," 16 Mar. 2019 The pressure is ultimately due to the random motion of rapidly vibrating gas molecules, and that vibration consists of movement in all directions. — Tom Skilling, chicagotribune.com, "Ask Tom: How heavy is the Earth's atmosphere?," 27 June 2018 The vibration of the music and the red glow of the spotlights washed over everything. — Liz Mcdaniel, Vogue, "I Love My Husband— I Didn’t Always Love His Headband," 4 Feb. 2019 Churning pistons generate rhythmic vibrations, a belching smokestack expels eye-watering exhaust, and a blasting whistle — tooted often by an eager engineer — rattles the ear. — Daniel Miller, latimes.com, "Walt Disney's first love lives on at this historic California ranch," 24 May 2018 The ancient Greeks used sound vibration to aid in digestion, treat mental disturbance, and induce sleep, and even Aristotle's De Anima detailed how flute music could purify the soul. — Nicole Dellert, Allure, "I Tried a Sound Bath — Here's What This Meditative Practice Is Really Like," 24 Oct. 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.