vibration

American  

[vahy-brey-shuhn] / vaɪˈbreɪ ʃən /

noun

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

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

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

A few days later, on April 29, the team adjusted the position of Curiosity's robotic arm and activated the drill vibration again.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

WSJ | Buy Side: This eye mask uses compression, vibration and heat to gently massage away tension and stress.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

But after some residents of Mid-City expressed concerns about potential settlement damage and vibration to historic homes, Metro directed staff to conduct extensive, peer-reviewed study exploring tunneling under historic communities.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 26, 2026

Potential uses include micro and nanoelectromechanical systems, where wear limits device lifespan, as well as magnetic bearings, vibration isolation systems, and ultra-thin magnetic materials where motion and magnetism are closely linked.

From Science Daily • Mar. 22, 2026

Sometimes it’s loud, but sometimes it’s so quiet that it’s only a weird vibration.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti

Related Words

• fluctuation
• oscillation
• pulse
• reverberation
• tremor