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
The team used intense light to confine the nanoparticle’s orientation within bounds of quantum zero-point fluctuations, marking a major milestone towards rotational matter interferometry and quantum torque sensing.
—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
City leader John Lee expressed concern about surging oil prices last month, and pledged to monitor price fluctuations closely.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
However, focusing on fluctuations in the spot market misses the bigger picture.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
This is because the female body experiences more hormonal fluctuations as part of its natural functioning and is more sensitive to anything that interferes with hormonal balance.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
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Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Apr. 2026
City leader John Lee expressed concern about surging oil prices last month, and pledged to monitor price fluctuations closely.
—John Liu, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026
However, focusing on fluctuations in the spot market misses the bigger picture.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 2 Apr. 2026
This is because the female body experiences more hormonal fluctuations as part of its natural functioning and is more sensitive to anything that interferes with hormonal balance.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 2 Apr. 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 8 Apr. 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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