fluctuation

noun

fluc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce fluctuation (audio)
-chü-ˈā-
plural fluctuations
: an act or instance of fluctuating : an irregular shifting back and forth or up and down in the level, strength, or value of something
Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected.
Some fluctuation in real estate values is not unusual.
North American species in general, having contended with blazing July days and frosty September nights as they evolved, are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations than tropical species are.Jonathan Franzen
fluctuational adjective

Examples of fluctuation in a Sentence

political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets
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.
This flexibility makes the company less vulnerable to aluminum tariffs than companies like Keurig Dr Pepper, which relies heavily on the US market and is more exposed to domestic price fluctuations, Falorni said. Maria Sole Campinoti, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025 Modern AIOps learns to distinguish between normal network fluctuations and genuine threats. Karthik Sj, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Erratic fluctuations of estrogen levels before menopause can trigger or worsen migraine headaches. Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025 However, gold mining stocks experience greater volatility than physical assets; therefore, investing in gold stocks can make your portfolio subject to significant price fluctuations. Nathan Mahr, Sacramento Bee, 26 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for fluctuation

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fluctuation was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Fluctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuation. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

fluctuation

noun
fluc·​tu·​a·​tion ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən How to pronounce fluctuation (audio)
1
: a motion like that of waves
especially : the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion
2
a
: a slight and nonheritable variation
especially : such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors
b
: recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)
fluctuate verb
fluctuated; fluctuating

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