oscillator
noun
os·cil·la·tor
ˈä-sə-ˌlā-tər 
1
: one that oscillates
2
: a device for producing alternating current
especially
: a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator
Examples of oscillator in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The study introduces a novel method for controlling quantum harmonic oscillators — systems that mimic vibrating objects such as springs or pendulums at the subatomic level.
—
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
Here, two oscillators are running at close to but not identical frequencies.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
These modes are referred to as a damped harmonic oscillator.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Before the fretting reaches a head, one of Barbieri’s backing oscillators creeps forward into a nimble major-key ostinato that sounds like it was lifted from a Lorenzo Senni daydream, transforming a slight shift in timbre and time signature into a crescendo of new hope.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillator
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Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 May 2026
Here, two oscillators are running at close to but not identical frequencies.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2026
These modes are referred to as a damped harmonic oscillator.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 15 Mar. 2026
Before the fretting reaches a head, one of Barbieri’s backing oscillators creeps forward into a nimble major-key ostinato that sounds like it was lifted from a Lorenzo Senni daydream, transforming a slight shift in timbre and time signature into a crescendo of new hope.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for oscillator
Cite this Entry
“Oscillator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/oscillator. Accessed 21 May. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
oscillator
noun
os·cil·la·tor
ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər
1
: one that oscillates
2
: a device for producing alternating current
especially
: a radio-frequency or audio-frequency generator
Medical Definition
oscillator
noun
os·cil·la·tor
ˈäs-ə-ˌlāt-ər
: a device or mechanism for producing or controlling oscillations
especially
: one (as a radio-frequency generator) for producing an alternating current
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