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 earthquake's epicenter was roughly 2 miles west-southwest of Yucaipa and occurred at a depth of 10 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Its chief instructor, Wang Kuanghan, has said plans are underway to open five more centers in China within three years, expanding the simulations to other disasters, including fires and earthquakes. — Lauryn Higgins, Time, 15 Oct. 2026

Shallow earthquakes do lead to more shaking being felt at the surface, though. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026

Capital brought to standstill In Panama City, approximately 125 miles from the epicenter, the earthquake sent frightened residents rushing out of buildings and gathering in streets and open spaces. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 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