What does "vibe" mean?
An atmosphere or aura felt to belong to a person, place or thing.
Vibe
/vaɪb/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An atmosphere or aura felt to belong to a person, place or thing.
- Grammar: vibe is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: aesthetic, ambience, atmosphere, atmospheres.
- Useful contrasts: blandness, clash, coldness.
- Usage evidence: This place gives me a really bad vibe.
How to use "vibe"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "vibe" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "vibe" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "vibe" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "vibe" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "vibe" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "aesthetic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "vibe", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An atmosphere or aura felt to belong to a person, place or thing. in-plural, informal, often
"The couple canceled their night out when they got a bad vibe from the new babysitter."
- 2 a distinctive emotional aura experienced instinctively wordnet
- 3 Something that is good, trendy, pleasant, or atmospheric; a thing or person with a good vibe. informal
"Once inside, Clayton wasted no time testing his chemistry with the women, kissing Teddi, Kira, Eliza, Cassidy and Rachel. However, not all of his relationships were so easy — Claire announced to the other contestants that her one-on-one time with Clayton was “not the vibe,” noting that he was too nice for her."
- 4 A vibraphone. colloquial, plural, plural-only
- 5 Vibration. informal
Show 1 more definition
- 6 A vibrator (sex toy). informal
"Water and electricity might not mix, but water and battery-powered fun sure do. Whether you are using a vibe alone or with a partner, in the tub or in the shower, the sensation of intense vibration feels especially nice underwater. Although waterproof vibrators can resemble anything from a lipstick to a kitty cat, most have one of four basic designs."
Verb
- 1 To stimulate with a vibrator. colloquial, transitive
"If your usual routine is hammering or vibing your clit for three minutes before you run out the door, try giving yourself five minutes of exploratory time."
- 2 to feel emotionally wordnet
- 3 To relax and enjoy oneself. colloquial, intransitive
- 4 To agree. colloquial, intransitive
"Besides, even if you don't vibe with his subject matter, he is a style king of West Coast, down-tempo gangsta-pimp music."
- 5 To get along; to hit it off. colloquial, intransitive
"Sam started out being someone I totally vibed with on every level."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To feel in agreement with; to appreciate or enjoy. colloquial, transitive
"Nia was glad she'd let Rico bring her to the club as she vibed with the fusion of Latin sounds and American hip-hop."
- 7 To treat (a fellow performer) in a condescending or insulting manner, typically during a performance or jam session, to signal to them that they are unsatisfactory. colloquial, transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"This place gives me a really bad vibe."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "vibe"?
Common synonyms include: aesthetic, ambience, atmosphere, atmospheres, aura, cafeteria atmosphere.
How do you use "vibe" in a sentence?
This place gives me a really bad vibe.
How do you pronounce "vibe"?
Pronounced /vaɪb/.
Etymology
Apocopic form of vibration, vibrator, etc.