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

Facing growing criticism over military restrictions in disaster zones, Venezuela’s interim government on Thursday defended its decision to militarize the state of La Guaira as the death toll from last week’s earthquakes climbed to 2,595. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 July 2026

Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 July 2026

Ground movement caused by celebrating fans is different from a real earthquake, so while the stadium must've been moving with the fans, the stadium was in no real threat. — Alejandro Avila Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2026

At least 235 people have so far been confirmed to have died after two massive earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday, June 24. — Jaclyn Hendricks, PEOPLE, 2 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