vibrator

IPA/vaɪˈbreɪtə(r)/
KK[vˈaɪbretɚ]IPA/ˈvaɪbreɪtər/

vibrator — noun

  • vibratorsingular
  • vibratorsplural

1. a small electronic tool that buzzes or shakes, designed to be placed against sen

1.nounB2
Definition

a small electronic tool that buzzes or shakes, designed to be placed against sensitive body areas for sexual enjoyment

Example

After discussing it with her doctor, Hana decided to try using a vibrator.

try + using [device] for first-time experience

Many adult shops display their vibrators alongside lubricants and other products.

collocation: adult shop / sex shop display

Common collocations
  • rechargeable vibrator
  • vibrator with multiple speeds
  • use a vibrator
  • silicone vibrator
Synonyms
  • sex toy

    broader category covering all sexual pleasure devices, not just vibrating ones

  • personal massager

    more discreet or euphemistic term often used in product packaging

Usage Note

Common in sex education materials and adult product reviews. The word is neutral in tone and not considered offensive in modern usage.

2. a handheld machine whose rapid movements help relax sore muscles or ease body te

2.nounB2
Definition

a handheld machine whose rapid movements help relax sore muscles or ease body tension when pressed against the skin

Example

After the race, Élise used a vibrator to work out knots in her shoulders.

used + to-infinitive for purpose: work out knots

Physical therapists sometimes recommend a vibrator to help patients relax tight muscles.

collocation: physical therapist / relax tight muscles

Common collocations
  • massage vibrator
  • handheld vibrator
  • electric vibrator
  • vibrator attachment
Synonyms
  • massager

    broader term that includes non-vibrating massage tools

  • massage gun

    specific type with percussive action, more modern and powerful

Usage Note

Often modified by adjectives like 'massage', 'handheld', or 'electric' to clarify the intended use. Context words like 'muscle', 'shoulder', 'back pain', or 'physical therapy' indicate this sense rather than sense 1.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Vibrator, sex toy, personal massager, and dildo all refer to devices used for sexual pleasure, but they differ in specificity and connotation. A vibrator specifically describes an electronic device that produces rapid shaking or buzzing motions. Sex toy is the broadest term, covering vibrators, dildos, cock rings, and many other products — it is the standard neutral expression in retail and media. Personal massager is a euphemism often used in packaging or advertising to avoid the sexual connotation of 'vibrator,' though in practice it describes the same products. Dildo refers specifically to a non-vibrating, penetration-focused toy shaped like a penis; some models are vibrators as well. In casual conversation, 'vibrator' is the most direct and commonly used word. In formal sex education writing, 'vibrator' is preferred for its clinical precision.

sex toypersonal massagerdildo ↗

Etymology

LatinEnglish

The word 'vibrator' entered English in the mid-19th century, formed from the Latin root 'vibrare' (to shake or move rapidly) plus the English suffix '-or' (denoting an agent or device). The first vibrators were medical devices used by Victorian doctors to treat what was then called hysteria through muscle relaxation, predating their modern association with sexual pleasure.