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

The British Army has stopped using its Ajax armored fighting vehicle after soldiers became unwell from vibrations and noise. —Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Nov. 2025

And developers are working on using event sensors to count objects on fast-moving conveyor belts, provide visual-feedback control for industrial robots, and to make touchless vibration measurements of equipment, for predictive maintenance. —Christoph Posch, IEEE Spectrum, 26 Nov. 2025

The jet is expected to continue testing through flights over microphones sprinkled around Mojave to measure the vibrations generated. —Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 25 Nov. 2025

Potential causes for the tower’s collapse currently being investigated include human error in assembly of the renovation scaffolding or vibrations from deep drilling for the new Metro C subway line, which can regularly be felt and heard throughout the area. —Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 25 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vibration

• sympathetic vibration

Rhymes for vibration

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

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