vibration

noun

vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən 

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

vī-ˈbrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

vibrationless

vī-ˈbrā-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of vibration

• shaking
• trembling
• twitching
• quivering
• oscillation
• tremor
• shivering
• shuddering

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 tests give engineers the opportunity to see how vibrations in Dragonfly’s rotors may resonate across the lander’s main body, potentially interfering with other equipment. — Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026

Physicists used Wilson’s calculations to justify the previously murky mechanics of quantum field theory, which treats each particle as a wave while washing out the less significant effects of the smallest vibrations. — Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

Pyle adds that unusual noises, vibrations and a loss of engine braking while downshifting are all worth flagging to a mechanic. — Michael Kurko, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

This vibration is converted to an electrical signal that tells a motor to turn the gears. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vibration

• sympathetic vibration

Rhymes for vibration

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

vibration

noun

vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən 

1

a

: a rapid motion of the particles of an elastic body or substance back and forth (as when a stretched cord produces a musical tone or molecules in the air transmit sounds to the ear)

b

: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated

2

: a trembling motion

vibration of a house caused by a passing truck

3

: a feeling or impression that someone or something gives off

—usually used in plural

good vibrations

vibrational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

vibration

noun

vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən 

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 particles of air transmit sounds to the ear)

b

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

2

: an instance of vibration

vibrate

ˈvī-ˌbrāt 

verb

vibrated; vibrating

vibrational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective