Synonyms of vibration
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)
b
: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion: such as
(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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This buffering is especially useful when the unit is wall-mounted and exposed to occasional knocks or vibration. New Atlas, 3 Aug. 2026 When a robot’s foot strikes the ground, part of the impact energy is normally lost as heat and vibration. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 3 Aug. 2026 The company said the tunnel would massively reduce the possibility of an oil spill, but environmentalists said building the tunnel under the bottom of the Straits of Mackinac would cause noise, vibrations and permanent environmental damage. Jeffrey Collins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 In the course of its hundred and forty-nine performances, the Eras Tour literally inscribed itself into geological time, the vibrations from the stomping fans registering on the Richter scale. Mitch Therieau, New Yorker, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for vibration

Word History

First Known Use

1635, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of vibration was in 1635

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Vibration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibration. Accessed 7 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

vibration

noun
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
vibrational adjective

Medical Definition

vibration

noun
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)
b
: the action of vibrating : the state of being vibrated or in vibratory motion
2
: an instance of vibration
vibrate verb
vibrated; vibrating

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