# vibration

/vaɪˈbɹeɪʃən/ (US) · /vaɪbɹˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vibration
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. shaking movement

noun · CEFR B2

a continuous, fast shaking movement.

For teachers: a rapid linear motion of a body or medium about an equilibrium position.

- The vibration from the heavy truck made the windows rattle.
- Engineers monitored the structural vibration of the bridge to ensure that the high winds were not compromising its integrity.

Usage: Often used in the singular to describe a general state of shaking.

### 2. emotional atmosphere

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

the mood or feeling you get from a person, place, or situation.

For teachers: an instinctively sensed emotional aura or atmosphere; frequently used in the plural.

- I got a strange vibration from that house, so I didn't want to stay long.
- Despite the professional setting, there was a positive vibration in the room that suggested the negotiations would be successful.

Usage: Commonly shortened to 'vibe' in modern casual speech.

Teaching tip: While 'vibrations' is correct, modern learners will more frequently encounter the shortened form 'vibes' in social media and conversation.

## Examples

- The vibration from the washing machine makes the floor shake.
- Engineers are working to reduce the vibration in the steering wheel to make the car more comfortable to drive.
- The sensitive equipment is mounted on rubber pads to isolate it from the low-frequency vibration caused by heavy traffic outside the laboratory.

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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.