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
While the vibration and noise levels were already minimal on previous models, Piaggio says the new engine slashes these even further.
—
Josh Max, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
About 150 buildings in New York City reported minor damage, a sinkhole opened on Long Island and people noticed the vibrations as far away as Virginia, New Hampshire and Maine.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
The embryos sense the vibrations of the snake slithering around them and can plop out of their eggs early to escape a possible pounce.
—Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024
Court documents revealed that excessive vibrations on the vessel damaged the ship's systems, causing its switchboards and transformers to fail.
—Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vibration 
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Josh Max, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
About 150 buildings in New York City reported minor damage, a sinkhole opened on Long Island and people noticed the vibrations as far away as Virginia, New Hampshire and Maine.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024
The embryos sense the vibrations of the snake slithering around them and can plop out of their eggs early to escape a possible pounce.
—Sofia Quaglia, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2024
Court documents revealed that excessive vibrations on the vessel damaged the ship's systems, causing its switchboards and transformers to fail.
—Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY, 25 Oct. 2024
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 25 Nov. 2024.
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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