modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmä-jə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an inflection of the tone or pitch of the voice

specifically : the use of stress or pitch to convey meaning

2

: a regulating according to measure or proportion : tempering

3

: a change from one musical key to another by modulating

4

: the process of modulating a carrier or signal (as in radio)

also : the result of this process

Examples of modulation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But endogenous opioids have an insider advantage as a natural part of the body’s interwoven system for pain modulation. —Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

The first-ever neuroimmune modulation implant has been approved for people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who haven't found relief with traditional medications. —New Atlas, 26 Aug. 2025

Jason and Travis Kelce are serious performers and broadcasters who are well aware of the need for proper modulation. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 Aug. 2025

By deliberately embedding modulation patterns into music, researchers guide these rhythms, and with them, behavior. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1501, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing modulation

• amplitude modulation
• frequency modulation
• phase modulation

Rhymes for modulation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: an action of modulating

2

: the extent or degree by which something is modulated

3

: a change from one musical key to another by using a chord that is found in both keys

4

: the process of modulating a carrier wave or signal (as in radio)

also : the result of this process

Medical Definition

modulation

noun

mod·​u·​la·​tion ˌmäj-ə-ˈlā-shən 

1

: the act or process of modulating

2

: a reversible change in histological structure due to physiological factors