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)

b

: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion: such as

(1)

: oscillation

(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

vī-ˈbrā-sh(ə-)nəl

 

adjective

vibrationless

vī-ˈbrā-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms

• jiggling
• oscillation
• quivering
• shaking
• shivering
• shuddering
• trembling
• twitching

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

Scientists started monitoring the island more closely in 2017 when seismic activity (vibrations caused by an earthquake) intensified. —Emily Blackwood, People.com, 18 Dec. 2024

Last spring, for instance, Charlotte Tilbury came out with a collection of six scents developed with IFF’s proprietary technology meant to stir emotions, vibrations, actions and reactions. —Jennifer Weil, WWD, 16 Dec. 2024

Some energy will always be dissipated through friction, vibration, or another unwanted form of motion. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

The camera captures 4K HD video of different bird wing vibration frequencies and supports low-light shooting. —Nora Colomer, Fox News, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vibration

• sympathetic vibration

Kids 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

vibrational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

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)

b

: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion

2

: an instance of vibration

vibrate

ˈvī-ˌbrāt 

verb

vibrated; vibrating

vibrational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective