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)
(1)
(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
adjective
vī-ˈbrā-sh(ə-)nəl
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
Springer has been tending to his knee with heat and vibration between at-bats.
—
Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Key Takeaways Microwave ovens cook food using non-ionizing radiation, which causes vibrations and heat generation in food particles.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
The creation of a haptic trailer for the F1 movie, making use of vibration functions on iPhones, and the presence of the film in the keynote speech at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this year made clear just how deeply F1 resonated with the tech giant, too.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The deep-sea location is also free from sunlight, surface vibration, and natural radiation.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
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Aaliyan Mohammed, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Key Takeaways Microwave ovens cook food using non-ionizing radiation, which causes vibrations and heat generation in food particles.
—Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 20 Oct. 2025
The creation of a haptic trailer for the F1 movie, making use of vibration functions on iPhones, and the presence of the film in the keynote speech at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this year made clear just how deeply F1 resonated with the tech giant, too.
—Luke Smith, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
The deep-sea location is also free from sunlight, surface vibration, and natural radiation.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
Cite this Entry
“Vibration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibration. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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)
2
: an instance of vibration
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