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
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
Engineers have conducted tests with engines and rotors operating at full power inside the tunnel, measuring vibrations, lift, drag, and control response in real-time.
—
Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Once the voltage reaches the MEMS resonators, an inverse piezoelectric effect is triggered, yielding billions of vibrations per second that generate acoustic waves in the surrounding fluid.
—Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2025
However, if the waves were generated in the same direction as the spiral threads, vibrations in webs with stabilimenta moved further across the web, where a spider might be able to sense them from anywhere within the web.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
Once these structures were photographed, the researchers created computer simulations to model how vibrations spread through the various webs.
—Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
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Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
Once the voltage reaches the MEMS resonators, an inverse piezoelectric effect is triggered, yielding billions of vibrations per second that generate acoustic waves in the surrounding fluid.
—Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2025
However, if the waves were generated in the same direction as the spiral threads, vibrations in webs with stabilimenta moved further across the web, where a spider might be able to sense them from anywhere within the web.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2025
Once these structures were photographed, the researchers created computer simulations to model how vibrations spread through the various webs.
—Andrea Tamayo, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vibration
Cite this Entry
“Vibration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibration. Accessed 31 Oct. 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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