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

Haiti continues to grapple with the devastation of the 2010 earthquake, compounded by subsequent natural disasters, political turmoil, and economic challenges. —Dr. Alister Martin, New York Daily News, 26 Apr. 2026

Some of the proceeds will go toward a new maternity unit that meets the state’s earthquake building safety requirements. —Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

The earthquake was measured at a depth of 7 kilometers, the service added. —Caelyn Pender, Mercury News, 26 Apr. 2026

The earthquake's epicenter was approximately 6 miles north-northeast of Cabazon and occurred at a depth of 8 miles. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 26 Apr. 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
• eastlake
• forsake
• handshake
• headache
• heartache

Kids Definition

earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk 

: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth