adj

oscillating

Oscillating (adj) means swinging or moving steadily back and forth. Example: “The oscillating fan swept cool air across the whole room.”

adj

Swinging or moving steadily back and forth.

"The oscillating fan swept cool air across the whole room."

"An oscillating pendulum traces the same arc again and again."

In mathematics, describing a function or series whose values keep alternating rather than settling toward one number.

"The sequence is oscillating, jumping between positive and negative values instead of converging."

How to use oscillating

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMoving repeatedly between two positions or states, like a fan head sweeping side to side.

Common pairings

oscillating fan oscillating motion oscillating current

Word forms

more oscillating comparative, most oscillating superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ fan swept cool air across the whole room.

Rhymes for oscillating

mating rating eating dating hating heating grating stating beating coating skating seating

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Frequently asked questions

What does “oscillating” mean?

The word “oscillating” means swinging or moving steadily back and forth. In plain terms, moving repeatedly between two positions or states, like a fan head sweeping side to side.

How do you use “oscillating” in a sentence?

Here is “oscillating” used in a sentence: “The oscillating fan swept cool air across the whole room.”

What part of speech is “oscillating”?

“Oscillating” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “oscillating” have?

“Oscillating” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: swinging or moving steadily back and forth.