vibrator
C1Semi-formal to informal. When referring to the sexual device, generally considered informal and intimate.
Definition
Meaning
A device that produces rapid, shaking or oscillating movements.
In modern everyday usage, most commonly understood as a sexual aid designed for stimulation. In technical contexts, refers to any device (e.g., industrial, cosmetic, therapeutic) that creates vibration.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word's primary contemporary meaning is overwhelmingly sexual. Other technical meanings require clear disambiguating context.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or form. Both primarily associate the word with the sexual device.
Connotations
Identically strong sexual connotations in both varieties. The British 'massage device' euphemism is slightly more common.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties due to globalized media.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] + use + [vibrator] (for stimulation)[vibrator] + vibrate + [at/on/against location]to operate/charge a [vibrator]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The rabbit vibrator (a specific popular design)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; only in the context of adult retail or sexual wellness.
Academic
In engineering/physics contexts: 'The concrete vibrator ensured a smooth pour.'
Everyday
Almost exclusively refers to the sexual device.
Technical
Can refer to concrete vibrators, facial vibrators, or vibrating components in machinery.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The motor in the device will vibrate at high frequencies.
American English
- The machine vibrates the entire foundation.
adverb
British English
- The plate shook vibratorily on the stand.
American English
- The surface moved vibratorily under his fingers.
adjective
British English
- The vibratory function was surprisingly gentle.
American English
- She felt a vibratory sensation from the tool.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The phone can be a vibrator for silent calls.
- Some facial massagers are also called vibrators.
- In construction, workers use a concrete vibrator to remove air bubbles.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
VIBE + RATOR: Think of a device that creates a VIBE (feeling) or VIBRATES.
Conceptual Metaphor
MOVEMENT IS STIMULATION; OSCILLATION IS PLEASURE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'vibrator' (вибратор) in Russian, which can neutrally refer to any vibrating device (e.g., phone vibrator). In English, the primary meaning is sexual.
Common Mistakes
- Using it without necessary context in non-sexual situations, leading to confusion or unintended humour.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'vibrator' most likely to be interpreted neutrally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, but it is overwhelmingly the default interpretation in everyday English. Technical meanings (concrete vibrator, cosmetic vibrator) require explicit context.
Only with very clear technical context (e.g., 'a piezoelectric vibrator'). Otherwise, avoid due to strong sexual connotations.
'Personal massager' or 'massage device' are common euphemisms, especially in marketing.
Yes, ranging from wand-style and bullet vibrators to more advanced, app-controlled devices, as well as non-sexual industrial and therapeutic types.