# oscillation

/ˌɑsəˈɫeɪʃən/ (US) · /ˌɒsɪlˈeɪʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/oscillation
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the movement of something back and forth between two points or states. It is like a pendulum swinging or a sound wave moving through the air.

For teachers: the repetitive variation, typically in time, of some measure about a central value or between two or more different states.

## Examples

- The pendulum shows a steady oscillation.
- The scientist observed the rapid oscillation of the light beam as it passed through the glass prism.
- The system's stability is compromised by the rapid oscillation of its internal variables, which eventually leads to a complete failure of the mechanical components.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.