earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk 
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
Our house, ruined by the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake, was rebuilt from the foundation up.
—
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 May 2026
The last-minute Raman-Bass showdown was a political earthquake in part because the two had been allies and Raman’s name had appeared on a list of Bass endorsers for reelection.
—Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
In a fire after the earthquake that destroyed 200,000 volumes, how could this book emerge more than a century later?
—Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
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.
Literary Hub, 1 June 2026
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 31 May 2026
The last-minute Raman-Bass showdown was a political earthquake in part because the two had been allies and Raman’s name had appeared on a list of Bass endorsers for reelection.
—Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 31 May 2026
In a fire after the earthquake that destroyed 200,000 volumes, how could this book emerge more than a century later?
—Sneha Dhandapani, CNN Money, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
Cite this Entry
“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthquake. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
