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

Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 3 May 2026

There are also small fault lines in the layers, evidence of past earthquakes. —ArsTechnica, 2 May 2026

Plans for the project includes upgrades to strengthen the bridge against earthquakes, widening the bridge to meet ADA accessibility standards, improving pedestrian crossings and restoring historic elements. —Teresa Liu, Daily News, 1 May 2026

Using the reserves by gaming the system and going around the transparent and required four-vote approval process bypasses an important safeguard for the money our county residents rely on in the event of a natural disaster like a fire, earthquake, flood or pandemic. —Joel Anderson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 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