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

In lupus—where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue—this modulation may help reduce flare-ups and symptom severity. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 20 May 2025

To the south, Sheinbaum, who contributed to the important U.N. climate science reports before her career took a political turn, came out the gate with a modulation of her predecessor’s approach to climate. —Justin Worland, Time, 30 Apr. 2025

Pendulum Therapeutics, which targets metabolic health through microbiome modulation, is an example of what’s possible. —Abdo Riani, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025

While distortion-heavy guitar still features on the album, it’s paired with instruments like the cello, violin, pedal steel and synth, as well as vocal modulation in the forms of Autotune and Vocoder. —James Factora, Them., 2 Apr. 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