earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk 
1
: a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin
2
Examples of earthquake in a Sentence
a building destroyed by earthquake
the San Andreas Fault is notorious for its earthquakes
Recent Examples on the Web
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year.
—
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Ultimately, what this study’s findings highlight is that planning for a slow-moving, politically contentious issue like sea-level rise, one that doesn’t have the immediacy of a wildfire or an earthquake, is complex and constantly evolving.
—Marcos Magaña, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
After losing their home in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the couple, then 38, relocated to Boston with their children Marcelle and Hylton, seeking better economic and educational prospects.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
For more about earthquake science – and the Cascadia Fault in particular – check out our recent episode on the Pacific Northwest's Big One.
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
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.
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 8 Mar. 2026
Ultimately, what this study’s findings highlight is that planning for a slow-moving, politically contentious issue like sea-level rise, one that doesn’t have the immediacy of a wildfire or an earthquake, is complex and constantly evolving.
—Marcos Magaña, Los Angeles Times, 7 Mar. 2026
After losing their home in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the couple, then 38, relocated to Boston with their children Marcelle and Hylton, seeking better economic and educational prospects.
—Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026
For more about earthquake science – and the Cascadia Fault in particular – check out our recent episode on the Pacific Northwest's Big One.
—Berly McCoy, NPR, 6 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
Cite this Entry
“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthquake. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
