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 disaster market — when real estate speculators scoop up properties in the wake of a disaster — happens quite often in Southern California, a region battered by fires, earthquakes, landslides and floods. — Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

Some residents near the launch facilities have long expressed worries about disruptive sonic booms — which can be as loud as gunshots and register as small earthquakes — and collectively filed a lawsuit this year. — Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

The earthquake's epicenter was approximately 10 miles west-northwest of Round Mountain and occurred at a depth of 11 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Nov. 2026

Ahead of Tuesday’s electoral earthquake, voters repeatedly ranked rising healthcare costs among their top economic concerns. — Merrill Goozner, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 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