oscillation
noun
os·cil·la·tion
ˌä-sə-ˈlā-shən 
1
: the action or state of oscillating
stays can be effectively used to prevent oscillations in new bridges—
D. B. Steinman
D. B. Steinman2
: variation, fluctuation
famines due to excessive storminess and violent oscillations of rain and drought, heat and cold—Ellsworth Huntington
Ellsworth Huntington3
: a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum
especially
: a flow periodically changing direction
4
: a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other
Each oscillation of the pendulum represents one second.
Examples of oscillation in a Sentence
the continued oscillation of the fan
There has been oscillation between optimism and pessimism among voters.
Recent Examples on the Web
The competing forces of gravity and pressure generated by photons caused the particles to go awry, bouncing around and creating waves called baryon acoustic oscillations (BAOs).
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2025
About 15 minutes later, a weakened version of this oscillation occurred again, followed shortly thereafter by oscillations at a different frequency, this one with properties that are commonly seen on European grids.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Unlike Washington, New Delhi cannot tolerate violent oscillations in its bilateral relationship with Beijing and, depending on the future trajectory of U.S. policy, may edge closer to China as circumstances demand.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
According to SpaceX, the cause of the seventh flight’s failure was stronger-than-expected rhythmic oscillations, causing leaks of propellant that caught fire.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
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Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 8 July 2025
About 15 minutes later, a weakened version of this oscillation occurred again, followed shortly thereafter by oscillations at a different frequency, this one with properties that are commonly seen on European grids.
—ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Unlike Washington, New Delhi cannot tolerate violent oscillations in its bilateral relationship with Beijing and, depending on the future trajectory of U.S. policy, may edge closer to China as circumstances demand.
—Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
According to SpaceX, the cause of the seventh flight’s failure was stronger-than-expected rhythmic oscillations, causing leaks of propellant that caught fire.
—Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for oscillation
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oscillation. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oscillation
noun
os·cil·la·tion
ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən
1
: the action or state of oscillating : vibration
3
: a single swing (as of an oscillating body) from one extreme limit to the other
Medical Definition
oscillation
noun
os·cil·la·tion
ˌäs-ə-ˈlā-shən
1
: the action or state of oscillating
2
: a flow of electricity changing periodically from a maximum to a minimum
especially
: a flow periodically changing direction
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