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

It was granted to El Salvador following two devastating 2001 earthquakes that left hundreds of thousands of people homeless. — Arkansas Online, 10 Sep. 2026

The earthquake's epicenter was about 10 miles east-southeast of Anza and occurred at a depth of 7 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Like Haitians, Salvadoran TPS holders were first granted protections after a devastating earthquake hit their country. — Catherine E. Shoichet, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

The healthcare system was already so weakened before the earthquakes that medications were scarce and a hospital’s electricity and water could go out at any time. — ABC News, 9 Sep. 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