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
Its 60-degree oscillation provides wider airflow to kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms.
—Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024
Fueled by the exhilaration of painting and acting, Showalter chased a new sound: reverberating bass, celestial oscillations, groovy beats.
—Ryan Leas, SPIN, 6 June 2024
With these alpha waves suppressed, Neely says, the slower oscillations, like the theta waves of light sleep, take over.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2024
The fan also comes with six modes, including 105-degree vertical and 120-degree horizontal oscillation.
—Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for oscillation 
Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024
Fueled by the exhilaration of painting and acting, Showalter chased a new sound: reverberating bass, celestial oscillations, groovy beats.
—Ryan Leas, SPIN, 6 June 2024
With these alpha waves suppressed, Neely says, the slower oscillations, like the theta waves of light sleep, take over.
—IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2024
The fan also comes with six modes, including 105-degree vertical and 120-degree horizontal oscillation.
—Michelle Rostamian, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for oscillation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'oscillation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near oscillation
Cite this Entry
“Oscillation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oscillation. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
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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