vibration

American  

[vahy-brey-shuhn] / vaɪˈbreɪ ʃən /

noun

• vibrations
  plural

1. the act of vibrating, or an instance of vibratory motion; oscillation; quiver; tremor.

2. the state of being vibrated.

3. Physics.

   1. the oscillating, reciprocating, or other periodic motion of a rigid or elastic body or medium forced from a position or state of equilibrium.

   2. the analogous motion of the particles of a mass of air or the like, whose state of equilibrium has been disturbed, as in transmitting sound.

4. a supernatural emanation, bearing good or ill, that is sensed by or revealed to those attuned to the occult.

5. Informal. Often vibrations vibe.

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vibration British  

/ vaɪˈbreɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of vibrating

2. physics

   1. a periodic motion about an equilibrium position, such as the regular displacement of air in the propagation of sound

   2. a single cycle of such a motion

3. the process or state of vibrating or being vibrated

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vibration Scientific  

/ vī-brā′shən /

1. A rapid oscillation of a particle, particles, or elastic solid or surface, back and forth across a central position.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nonvibration
  noun
• revibration
  noun
• unvibrational
  adjective
• vibrational
  adjective
• vibrationless
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• vibrations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of vibration

First recorded in 1645–55, and in 1965–70 vibration for def. 5; from Latin vibrātiōn- (stem of vibrātiō ); see vibrate, -ion

Explanation

A vibration is a shaking motion. If you feel a strong vibration in your car every time you step on the brakes, it might be a good idea to take it to a mechanic. You might feel a vibration in your floor when your neighbor is playing his music too loudly, and you'll know a thunderstorm is approaching when you feel the vibration of your trembling dog at your side. The rapid back and forth movement or quivering of an electric toothbrush or a mild earthquake is a vibration. The Latin vibratus, "move quickly to and fro" is the root word.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

vibration vibrations

For its cross-Channel journey, the tapestry has been "folded up like a curtain" and "put in a very, very high-tech container" with climate and vibration controls to protect the delicate embroidery.

From Barron's ● Jul. 8, 2026

Genesis brand engineers spend some coin to attenuate engine and mechanical noise, vibration and harshness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 6, 2026

In November 2025, the army had to pause its use of the Ajaxes after soldiers became unwell from the noise and vibration issues, with some vomiting after leaving the vehicle.

From BBC ● Jun. 6, 2026

To observe this, the scientists used ultra-strong terahertz laser pulses to drive one vibration into a circular motion.

From Science Daily ● May 24, 2026

Pressing her ear to the ground she heard the vibration of many feet—a herd of caribou was not far away.

From "Julie of the Wolves" by Jean Craighead George

The fluorine atom served as a relatively clear indicator of how the molecule's vibrations relaxed over time.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 30, 2026

After each name read, Hanger struck a singing bowl, the vibrations sounding out in the corner where they stood.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 25, 2026

These good vibrations would have obvious benefits for the visually impaired but would also allow all fans to “feel” the crack of the bat or the roar of the crowd.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

The point was to measure the vibrations and reduce any major impact or shock.

From BBC ● Jul. 10, 2026

It was especially needed in the 1800s because light and electromagnetism were now seen as waves, which is to say types of vibrations.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor