tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtre-mər 

1

a

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

b

: nervous excitement

2

: a quivering or vibratory motion

especially : a discrete small movement following or preceding a major seismic event

tremors being felt days after the earthquake

3

a

: a feeling of uncertainty or insecurity

a tremor of hesitation

b

: a cause of such a feeling

Synonyms of tremor

• quake
• earthquake

Examples of tremor in a Sentence

Small tremors were still being felt several days after the earthquake.

I heard a tremor in her voice.

His tremors were caused by the disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Five weeks later, the man started experiencing tremors, confusion, urinary incontinence and weakness in his legs. —Angela Palermo, Idaho Statesman, 11 Dec. 2025

Tsukasa Morikubo, a Cabinet official for disaster management, said in a press conference Tuesday that a megaquake could occur along the Japan Trench and the Kuril Trench off Hokkaido as a follow-up to the Monday tremor. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 9 Dec. 2025

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru told reporters that the strongest tremors were recorded in the city of Hachinohe. —Christopher Cann, USA Today, 8 Dec. 2025

What To Know The initial earthquake, which struck near Yakutat on Saturday sent tremors across southeastern Alaska and parts of Canada, with aftershocks continuing throughout the day. —Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tremour, from Anglo-French tremor, from Latin, from tremere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for tremor

• emmer
• condemnor

Kids Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

1

: a trembling or shaking usually caused by weakness or disease

2

: a quivering or vibrating motion

especially : a small movement of the earth before or after an earthquake

Medical Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

tremors of the hands