Definition of RESONANCE (original) (raw)
1
a
: the quality or state of being resonant
b(1)
: a vibration of large amplitude in a mechanical or electrical system caused by a relatively small periodic stimulus of the same or nearly the same period as the natural vibration period of the system
(2)
: the state of adjustment that produces resonance in a mechanical or electrical system
2
a
: the intensification and enriching of a musical tone by supplementary vibration
b
: a quality imparted to voiced sounds by vibration in anatomical resonating chambers or cavities (such as the mouth or the nasal cavity)
c
: a quality of richness or variety
d
: a quality of evoking response
how much resonance the scandal seems to be having—
U.S. News & World Report
3
: the sound elicited on percussion of the chest
4
: the conceptual alternation of a chemical species (such as a molecule or ion) between two or more equivalent allowed structural representations differing only in the placement of electrons that aids in understanding the actual state of the species as an amalgamation of its possible structures and the usually higher-than-expected stability of the species
5
a
: the enhancement of an atomic, nuclear, or particle reaction or a scattering event by excitation of internal motion in the system
6
: an extremely short-lived elementary particle
7
: a synchronous gravitational relationship of two celestial bodies (such as moons) that orbit a third (such as a planet) which can be expressed as a simple ratio of their orbital periods
Did you know?
Many of the finest musical instruments possess a high degree of resonance which, by producing additional vibrations and echoes of the original sound, enriches and amplifies it. Violins made by the Italian masters Stradivari and Guarneri possess a quality of resonance that later violinmakers have never precisely duplicated. And you may have noticed how a particular note will start something in a room buzzing, as one of the touching surfaces begins to resonate with the note. Because of that, resonance and _resonate_—along with the adjective _resonant_—aren't always used to describe sound. For example, you may say that a novel resonates strongly with you because the author seems to be describing your own experiences and feelings.
Examples of resonance in a Sentence
the resonance of the singer's voice His story didn't have much resonance with the audience.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Holland’s personal connection to the brand strengthens its resonance. —Rachel King, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 Such a decision wouldn’t diminish this team’s resonance in history. —Brooks Kubena, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024 Released in 1993 on The Predator, its smooth production, vivid storytelling, and cultural resonance immortalize it as a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ musical legacy. —Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2024 By mid-year, as Jupiter enters Cancer, you’ll be drawn to work that prioritizes emotional resonance over performance. —Dossé-Via Trenou, refinery29.com, 16 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for resonance 
Word History
Etymology
Middle English resonaunce, from Middle French resonance, from resoner to resound — more at resound
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Time Traveler
The first known use of resonance was in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near resonance
Cite this Entry
“Resonance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/resonance. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
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Last Updated: 6 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences
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