earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk How to pronounce earthquake (audio)
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.
It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Nov. 2025 The earthquake struck on July 29 2025, triggering Pacific-wide tsunami watches and warnings, according to the USGS. Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2025 For example, earthquakes and floods can release dust, mold and debris that can damage the lungs. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 20 Nov. 2025 Japan’s devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami caused water within the plant to be contaminated with highly radioactive material. Jerome Taylor, CNN Money, 19 Nov. 2025 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 23 Nov. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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