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

“We’re very high on quality, and we’re high on authenticity. Music was always the main goal, and that’s why we chose Daptone; we’re on the same page about that, ‘cause music is a vibration.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 17, 2026

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

"We have various types of equipment we can use for sound, vibration and drones," Buchan said.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

By applying different vibration patterns, the researchers were able to control how strongly the particles became entangled.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 15, 2026

At that precise instant there was a vibration in the air and we were struck by a school of flying fish.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel

While others with hearing disorders can perceive certain low-frequency vibrations as sound, for Pride almost everything is completely inaudible without powerful hearing aids.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 13, 2026

Among its advances is a structure known as a phononic cavity, which traps mechanical vibrations so they can interact more strongly with the electron spin inside a qubit.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 12, 2026

They're calming, relaxing, and the vibrations can help put you into a meditative state.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2026

Pilots received indications of high vibrations in one of the jet’s two engines, followed by a loud bang, according to the report.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

The new vibrations woke whoever had been lucky or exhausted enough to fall asleep.

From "The Darkest Minds" by Alexandra Bracken

Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor