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)
(1)
(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
adjective
vī-ˈbrā-sh(ə-)nəl
Synonyms
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
Venus’ journey through Pisces adds a dreamy, whimsical vibration to relationship dynamics, more than often resulting in the desire for meaningful connections and love stories that resemble a fairytale romance.
—
Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
One of these details is that such a reactor must operate at very high temperatures and strong vibrations and survive.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2025
The struggle to live up to that expectation has muted the vibrations around the place.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Because South Florida is built on layers of sand and porous limestone, the authors reasoned that these vibrations could have compressed or rearranged sand – much like shaking ground coffee in a tin creates more space.
—Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vibration 
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Valerie Mesa, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025
One of these details is that such a reactor must operate at very high temperatures and strong vibrations and survive.
—David Szondy, New Atlas, 20 Jan. 2025
The struggle to live up to that expectation has muted the vibrations around the place.
—James McNicholas, The Athletic, 14 Jan. 2025
Because South Florida is built on layers of sand and porous limestone, the authors reasoned that these vibrations could have compressed or rearranged sand – much like shaking ground coffee in a tin creates more space.
—Denise Hruby, Miami Herald, 14 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vibration
Dictionary Entries Near vibration
Cite this Entry
“Vibration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibration. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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)
2
: an instance of vibration
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