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

Swaying stimulates the vestibular system in your inner ear, which plays a key role in balance and spatial awareness. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025

The vestibular movements were what was greatly affected. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 21 Dec. 2024

Motion sickness in dogs — as in humans — results from a disturbance in the body’s vestibular system, a complex set of structures and neural pathways centrally located in the inner ear that regulate balance and physical orientation. —Marlene Cimons, Washington Post, 29 June 2024

The vestibular nerve carries signals about balance and equilibrium from your inner ear to your brain. —Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1839, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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