vibratory

adjective

vi·​bra·​to·​ry ˈvī-brə-ˌtȯr-ē How to pronounce vibratory (audio)
1
: consisting of, capable of, or causing vibration or oscillation
2
: characterized by vibration

Examples of vibratory in a Sentence

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.
In some cases, extra heart sounds like a third (S3) or fourth (S4) sound or brief, vibratory sounds (heart murmurs) may be present. — Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024 Voluntary muscle contractions were thought to cause the vibratory component of purring. — Jorge Garay, WIRED, 31 Oct. 2023 Dorrance breaks out to the vibratory sounds of the saxophone, played by Matt Parker. — Catherine Tharin, BostonGlobe.com, 21 July 2023 When these bodies are struck gently, but periodically, although each blow may be separately quite insufficient to produce a sensible motion in the vibratory body … very large and powerful oscillations may result. — Samuel Ernest, Longreads, 2 May 2023 The idea of using vibratory stimulation to improve human balance is not new. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Nov. 2014

Word History

First Known Use

1728, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of vibratory was in 1728

Rhymes for vibratory

See All Rhymes for vibratory

Browse Nearby Words

vibrator
vibratory
vibrio
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Cite this Entry

“Vibratory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vibratory. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

vibratory

adjective
vi·​bra·​to·​ry ˈvī-brə-ˌtōr-ē How to pronounce vibratory (audio)
-ˌtȯr-
: consisting of, capable of, or causing vibration

Medical Definition

vibratory

adjective
vi·​bra·​to·​ry ˈvī-brə-ˌtōr-ē, -ˌtȯr- How to pronounce vibratory (audio)
1
: of, consisting in, capable of, or causing vibration or oscillation
cutaneous vibratory sensation
2
: characterized by vibration
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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