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
Since it is priced in dollars on a global market, like oil, currency fluctuations can add to the risks for some.
—Vanessa Gera, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024
Temperature fluctuations and root disturbance associated with transplanting results in tomato leaves curling on some varieties in self-defense.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
But according to LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, those fluctuations are minor compared to the massive gap between Wall Street’s valuation of Trump Media and the true value of the company.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 25 June 2024
Trump's felony conviction led to only marginal fluctuations.
—Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 24 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for fluctuation 
Vanessa Gera, The Christian Science Monitor, 27 June 2024
Temperature fluctuations and root disturbance associated with transplanting results in tomato leaves curling on some varieties in self-defense.
—Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2024
But according to LinkedIn cofounder Reid Hoffman, those fluctuations are minor compared to the massive gap between Wall Street’s valuation of Trump Media and the true value of the company.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune, 25 June 2024
Trump's felony conviction led to only marginal fluctuations.
—Tal Axelrod, ABC News, 24 June 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 15 Jul. 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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