vibration

American  

[vahy-bray-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

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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

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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

Jamie used a vibration vest – "like a rock and roll ninja" she said - which allowed him to feel the tempo around him and trigger his own beats.

From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2026

For others, the low-frequency sound can cause physical discomfort or illness and may also feel like a vibration moving through the body.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 19, 2026

Federal air-safety regulators last year were seeking information related to severe vibration with such helicopter blades.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 16, 2026

She wanted us to understand the vibration certain sounds required.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee

The second component used quantum oscillators, created by the vibrations of those same trapped ions.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 13, 2026

It wrote in its complaint, external that by producing better haptic vibrations in its devices, Apple had been able to improve its overall user experience.

From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026

Haptics allow people to interact with devices by simulating the sense of touch or feel through vibrations.

From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026

Instead of mechanical vibrations, the time crystals become coupled through the movement of spin-polarized electrons.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 24, 2026

She looked different, quite definitely The train roared by outside the window, and Petra stood still, watching her earrings tremble with the vibrations.

From "Chasing Vermeer" by Blue Balliett

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Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor

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