vibration

noun

vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən 

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)

: oscillation

(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

I got bad vibrations from those guys.

b

: a distinctive usually emotional atmosphere capable of being sensed

—usually used in plural

nothing but good vibrations at this party

vibrational

vī-ˈbrā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

vibrationless

vī-ˈbrā-shən-ləs 

adjective

Synonyms of vibration

• shaking
• trembling
• twitching
• quivering
• oscillation
• tremor
• shivering
• shuddering

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

To be competitive in the industry, there has to be noise and vibration because that's what sports car buyers want. — Morgan Korn, ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Future uses for the approach include any number of stronger, lighter structures and materials needing protection from vibration and shaking. — New Atlas, 2 Oct. 2026

It’s built with military-grade grit and made to withstand several MIL-STD-810H tests, which expose it to drops, vibrations, humidity, and even extreme temperatures. — Kelsey Fogarty, PC Magazine, 1 Oct. 2026

The solution was layers of insulation, drywall and thick concrete to absorb sounds from vehicles running below, which the builders believe will keep the stages free of outside noise or vibrations. — Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing vibration

• sympathetic vibration

Rhymes for vibration

• ablation
• aeration
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation

Kids Definition

vibration

noun

vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən 

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

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective

Medical Definition

vibration

noun

vi·​bra·​tion vī-ˈbrā-shən 

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

ˈvī-ˌbrāt 

verb

vibrated; vibrating

vibrational

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective