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

The problem with wildfires — unlike hurricanes or earthquakes — is that humans can directly influence them. — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 17 July 2026

The earthquake's epicenter was roughly 3 miles east-southeast of Interlaken and occurred at a depth of 7 miles. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026

By that time thousands of ground-penetrating bombs had ripped through the subsoil with the seismic force of small earthquakes. — Literary Hub, 16 July 2026

There had been some initial talks between opposition leaders and Rodríguez envoys about a democratic transition, but they were put on hold following the earthquake. — John Otis, NPR, 16 July 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
• forsake
• gouache
• handshake
• headache
• heartache

Kids Definition

earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk 

: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth