vibration

noun

vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən How to pronounce vibration (audio)
Synonyms of vibrationnext
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)
(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
vibrationless 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In early demonstrations, the team assembled multiple cubes into beams and columns whose bending and vibration behavior changed based solely on which internal cells were liquified. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Feb. 2026 When a user silently mouths words, the sensors detect tiny vibrations in the throat muscles. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026 The Dark Sky Lounge, an add-on, is a 30-minute sound and vibration-based therapy that is meant to accelerate muscle recovery and bring you into a deep state of relaxation—a perfect pre-treatment experience. David Duran, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Jan. 2026 Best foot spas The vibrations from this spa are gentle enough not to numb your feet but strong enough to still relax them. Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vibration

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vibration was in 1635

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vibration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibration. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

vibration

noun
vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən How to pronounce vibration (audio)
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 How to pronounce vibration (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

Medical Definition

vibration

noun
vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən How to pronounce vibration (audio)
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 verb
vibrated; vibrating
vibrational adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on vibration

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