fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən 
-chü-ˈā-
plural fluctuations
: an act or instance of fluctuating : an irregular shifting back and forth or up and down in the level, strength, or value of something
Small fluctuations in prices are to be expected.
Some fluctuation in real estate values is not unusual.
North American species in general, having contended with blazing July days and frosty September nights as they evolved, are much more tolerant of temperature fluctuations than tropical species are.—
Jonathan Franzen
Jonathan FranzenExamples of fluctuation in a Sentence
political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets
Recent Examples on the Web
This helps the Spin inject power into the grid instantly, preventing major grid fluctuations.
—
Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
Instead, Versova said the price of most of its eggs depends on cost fluctuations of grain used in hen feeds.
—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
The bullwhip effect occurs when minor changes in customer demand cause large, chaotic fluctuations in orders further upstream and lead to excess inventory.
—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Instead, Versova said the price of most of its eggs depends on cost fluctuations of grain used in hen feeds.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
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Ameya Paleja,
Interesting Engineering,
3 July 2026
Instead, Versova said the price of most of its eggs depends on cost fluctuations of grain used in hen feeds.
—
Wyatte Grantham-Philips,
Fortune,
2 July 2026
The bullwhip effect occurs when minor changes in customer demand cause large, chaotic fluctuations in orders further upstream and lead to excess inventory.
—
Steve Banker,
Forbes.com,
1 July 2026
Instead, Versova said the price of most of its eggs depends on cost fluctuations of grain used in hen feeds.
—
ABC News,
30 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuation. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
fluctuation
noun
fluc·tu·a·tion
ˌflək-chə-ˈwā-shən
1
: a motion like that of waves
especially
: the wavelike motion of a fluid collected in a natural or artificial cavity of the body observed by palpation or percussion
2
a
: a slight and nonheritable variation
especially
: such a variation occurring in response to environmental factors
b
: recurrent and often more or less cyclic alteration (as of form, size, or color of a bodily part)
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