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 studies, and lack of follow-through, raise the issue about what could have averted the still-climbing death toll, and what steps need to be taken to prepare for an inevitable next earthquake. — Syra Ortiz-Blanes, Miami Herald, 24 July 2026

The earthquake's epicenter was roughly 86 miles west of Petrolia and occurred at a depth of 3 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 24 July 2026

Enough time has passed since the last earthquake in 1977 that people have started to forget the destruction. — Andrei Popoviciu, The Dial, 23 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