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
These devices continuously monitor temperature, vibration, pressure or other variables across factory floors and other industrial sites, feeding data directly into ERP systems and analytics platforms for faster, more accurate decision making.
—
Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
The vibration of that particular moment was in sync with the song’s message and the pitch of my voice.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
Woods says this arrangement reduces vibrations and operating noise, boosts the transfer of torque into the impeller blades, and helps cool the motor at high output levels.
—Ben Coxworth
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
As can the often less subtle vibrations of earthquakes.
—ArsTechnica, 17 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 29 July 2025
The vibration of that particular moment was in sync with the song’s message and the pitch of my voice.
—Ernesto Lechner, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2025
Woods says this arrangement reduces vibrations and operating noise, boosts the transfer of torque into the impeller blades, and helps cool the motor at high output levels.
—Ben Coxworth
july 22, New Atlas, 22 July 2025
As can the often less subtle vibrations of earthquakes.
—ArsTechnica, 17 July 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 1 Aug. 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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