earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk 

1

: a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin

2

: upheaval sense 2

Synonyms of earthquake

• quake
• tremor

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

The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 July 2026

As the dikes spread, the region faced earthquakes and brought back into action long dormant faults, draining the magma beneath the ridge. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 9 July 2026

For example, when a bridge, tower, or seawall made from Roman concrete was affected by storms, earthquakes, or the ocean, cracks formed. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026

Two weeks after Venezuela’s devastating twin earthquakes, the country is entering a new and increasingly painful phase of the disaster. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for earthquake

• awake
• backache
• beefsteak
• betake
• cheesecake
• cupcake
• daybreak
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache
• heartache

Kids Definition

earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk 

: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth