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
The best way to protect yourself during an earthquake is to drop, cover and hold on, officials say.
—
Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Over the centuries, earthquakes caused the Mediterranean Sea to rise, submerging the ancient port of Ptolemais.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
Hot on the Trail For decades, scientists have used earthquakes to track magma, but the work was often slow and imprecise.
—Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Map of earthquake that struck near Gilroy on March 17, 2026.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for earthquake
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Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Over the centuries, earthquakes caused the Mediterranean Sea to rise, submerging the ancient port of Ptolemais.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 28 Mar. 2026
Hot on the Trail For decades, scientists have used earthquakes to track magma, but the work was often slow and imprecise.
—Quanta Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026
Map of earthquake that struck near Gilroy on March 17, 2026.
—Tim Fang, CBS News, 17 Mar. 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 29 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth
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