earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk How to pronounce earthquake (audio)
Synonyms of earthquakenext
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
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.
Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it via the USGS Felt Report form. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Feb. 2026 Haiti’s Superior Court of Auditors has said the funds, intended to rebuild the country after the 2010 earthquake, were squandered during the administration of former President Michel Martelly. Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 20 Feb. 2026 Normally, earthquake swarms happen near volcanoes or geothermal fields. Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 26 Jan. 2026 Perhaps a cataclysm—an earthquake, a volcanic eruption—had driven those people away. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthquake

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthquake was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthquake. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

earthquake

noun
earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk How to pronounce earthquake (audio)
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth

More from Merriam-Webster on earthquake

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