earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk How to pronounce earthquake (audio)
Synonyms of earthquakenext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Founded in 1854, the Mechanics' Institute has managed to maintain its presence after earthquakes, wars and sweeping changes across San Francisco, all while continuing to serve as a cultural hub in the city's downtown core. Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 16 May 2026 The outset of war finds her wary yet calm, and our knowledge of her composure under siege means that all following emotional displays shake us like miniature earthquakes. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 16 May 2026 It is estimated that there are 500,000 detectable earthquakes in the world each year. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 May 2026 Experiment with how gravity and the elements work with and against each other using miniature wind tunnels, or rattle tables to test how building-block houses might withstand an earthquake. Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 16 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthquake

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of earthquake was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthquake. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

earthquake

noun
earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk How to pronounce earthquake (audio)
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth

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