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
Lorch’s downfall in 2002 was an earthquake in the city’s youth-basketball circles.
—
Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The powerful Loma Prieta earthquake rocked northern California, killing 63 people and injuring thousands.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The first is an earthquake that rattles the house into disarray.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
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Luke Cyphers, Sportico.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The powerful Loma Prieta earthquake rocked northern California, killing 63 people and injuring thousands.
—Arizona Republic, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025
The first is an earthquake that rattles the house into disarray.
—Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 16 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
Cite this Entry
“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthquake. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth
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