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
With feedings typically shorter and less frequent, oxytocin and prolactin continue to support lactation too, but with smaller fluctuations that are less disruptive to the body.
—Hannah Silverman, Parents, 16 Feb. 2026
Stress and hormonal fluctuations also play a role.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Feb. 2026
Avoiding large temperature fluctuations will keep your flowers fresh for longer.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
The danger is greatest during temperature fluctuations.
—Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for fluctuation
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Hannah Silverman, Parents, 16 Feb. 2026
Stress and hormonal fluctuations also play a role.
—Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 16 Feb. 2026
Avoiding large temperature fluctuations will keep your flowers fresh for longer.
—Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
The danger is greatest during temperature fluctuations.
—Ross Guidotti, CBS News, 11 Feb. 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 18 Feb. 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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