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.
The international airport in General Santos was temporarily shut due to the earthquake, and 17 domestic flights were canceled, civil aviation officials said. Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026 Those who experienced the earthquake are encouraged to report it through the USGS Felt Report form. Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 7 June 2026 Residents felt the earthquake tremors in Indonesia's North Sulawesi and North Maluku provinces. CBS News, 7 June 2026 Thursday’s news that Detroit Red Wings captain Dylan Larkin has requested a trade is an earthquake to begin the Red Wings’ offseason. Max Bultman, New York Times, 5 June 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 11 Jun. 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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