vestibular

adjective

ves·​tib·​u·​lar ve-ˈsti-byə-lər 

1

: of, relating to, or functioning as a vestibule

2

: of, relating to, or affecting the perception of body position and movement

the vestibular system of the inner ear

Examples of vestibular in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Thompson, who lives outside of Charleston, South Carolina, still struggles with migraines and vestibular disorders that cause vertigo and nausea. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 11 Jan. 2026

Balancing an object while moving is second nature to humans, who rely on coordinated feedback between muscles and the vestibular system. —Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 25 Nov. 2025

That’s because while your eyes are focused on a steady point, your vestibular system is still sensing movement, per WebMD. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 23 Nov. 2025

Optimally, any disagreement between your vestibular senses and your brain’s expectations would be small. —Taylor Lonner, The Conversation, 21 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for vestibular

• cooler
• jeweller
• ruler
• schooler
• schuller
• preschooler

Medical Definition

vestibular

adjective

ves·​tib·​u·​lar ve-ˈstib-yə-lər 

1

: of or relating to the vestibule of the inner ear, the vestibular system, the vestibular nerve, or the vestibular sense

vestibular impulses

2

: lying within or facing the vestibule of the mouth

the vestibular surface of a tooth

vestibularly adverb