Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

quiver

noun (1)
quiv·er | \ˈkwi-vər \

Definition of quiver 

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a case for carrying or holding arrows

2 : the arrows in a quiver

quiver

verb
quivered; quivering\ˈkwi-və-riŋ, ˈkwiv-riŋ \

Definition of quiver (Entry 2 of 3)

intransitive verb

: to shake or move with a slight trembling motion

quiver

noun (2)

Definition of quiver (Entry 3 of 3)

: the act or action of quivering : tremor

Other Words from quiver Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about quiver

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from quiver

Verb

quiveringly adverb

Synonyms for quiver

Synonyms: Verb

agitate, convulse, jerk, jiggle, joggle, jolt, jounce, quake, shake, shudder, vibrate, wobble (also wabble)

Visit the Thesaurus for More 

Examples of quiver in a Sentence

Verb

 Her lips quivered when she heard the bad news. aspen leaves quivering in the breeze

First Known Use of quiver

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1786, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for quiver

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French quivre, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English cocer quiver, Old High German kohhari

Verb

Middle English, probably from quiver agile, quick; akin to Old English cwiferlice zealously

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about quiver

Dictionary Entries near quiver

quitter

quittor

qui va là?

quiver

quiverer

quiverful

quiverleaf

Statistics for quiver

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for quiver

The first known use of quiver was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for quiver

quiver

verb

English Language Learners Definition of quiver

: to shake because of fear, cold, nervousness, etc.

See the full definition for quiver in the English Language Learners Dictionary

quiver

noun
quiv·er | \ˈkwi-vər \

Kids Definition of quiver

 (Entry 1 of 3)

: a case for carrying arrows

quiver

verb
quivered; quivering

Kids Definition of quiver (Entry 2 of 3)

: to move with a slight trembling motion “Boy!” said Ralph to himself, his whiskers quivering with excitement.— Beverly Cleary, The Mouse and the Motorcycle

quiver

noun

Kids Definition of quiver (Entry 3 of 3)

: the act or instance of trembling She felt a quiver of excitement.

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on quiver

See words that rhyme with quiver

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quiver

Spanish Central: Translation of quiver

Nglish: Translation of quiver for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of quiver for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quiver

Comments on quiver

What made you want to look up quiver? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

rebuff

to reject or criticize sharply

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

TRENDING NOW

  1. rogue Trump speculates on Saudi journalist's fate

  2. nepotism Trump muses about Ivanka UN appointment

  3. cloture McConnell motions for Kavanaugh vote

  4. quorum Kavanaugh advances to Senate floor

  5. sequela Ford testifies in front of Senate

SEE ALL

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games