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 Franzen
Examples of fluctuation in a Sentence
political instability that resulted in wild fluctuations in the overseas stock markets
Recent Examples on the Web
This extreme heat not only underscores the variability and unpredictability of weather patterns but also highlights the potential for significant fluctuations in electricity consumption and costs across different states.
—Suhail Bhat, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
The distillery enlisted the help of a scientist to create a crossbreed of barley that could stand up to extreme fluctuations in weather in the mountains, which ranges from hot summers to snowy winters.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 July 2024
Note that the rates and fee structures advertised for mortgages are subject to fluctuation in accordance with the Fed rate.
—Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 29 July 2024
Jupiter’s auroras are much more powerful than those on Earth and driven by fluctuations in the gas giant’s magnetic field.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluctuation 
Suhail Bhat, USA TODAY, 31 July 2024
The distillery enlisted the help of a scientist to create a crossbreed of barley that could stand up to extreme fluctuations in weather in the mountains, which ranges from hot summers to snowy winters.
—Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 30 July 2024
Note that the rates and fee structures advertised for mortgages are subject to fluctuation in accordance with the Fed rate.
—Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 29 July 2024
Jupiter’s auroras are much more powerful than those on Earth and driven by fluctuations in the gas giant’s magnetic field.
—Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluctuation
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fluctuation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fluctuation
Cite this Entry
“Fluctuation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fluctuation. Accessed 18 Aug. 2024.
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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