quiver

1 of 3

noun (1)

quiv·​er ˈkwi-vər How to pronounce quiver (audio)
1
: a case for carrying or holding arrows
2
: the arrows in a quiver

quiver

2 of 3

verb

quivered; quivering ˈkwi-və-riŋ How to pronounce quiver (audio)
ˈkwiv-riŋ

intransitive verb

: to shake or move with a slight trembling motion
quiveringly adverb

quiver

3 of 3

noun (2)

: the act or action of quivering : tremor

Examples of quiver in a Sentence

Verb Her lips quivered when she heard the bad news. aspen leaves quivering in the breeze Noun (2) a quiver ran through the audience when the monster cornered the movie's hero
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.
Noun
For other cities, issuing bonds to pay down pension debt has been an arrow in the quiver. Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 18 July 2025 The summits of the abstract city quiver Under murky rainbows in the humid air. Czeslaw Milosz, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
Stanko appeared to be speaking, turned toward the families of the victims, and then let out several quick breaths as his lips quivered. Jeffrey Collins, Los Angeles Times, 14 June 2025 Stanko appeared to be saying words, turned toward the families of the victims and then let out several quick breaths as his lips quivered. Arkansas Online, 14 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for quiver

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quiver. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

quiver

1 of 3 noun
quiv·​er ˈkwiv-ər How to pronounce quiver (audio)
1
: a case for carrying arrows
2
: the arrows in a quiver

quiver

2 of 3 verb
quivered; quivering ˈkwiv-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce quiver (audio)
: to move with a slight shaking motion

quiver

3 of 3 noun
: the act or action of quivering : tremor
Etymology

Noun

Middle English quiver "a case for carrying arrows," from early French quivre (same meaning); of Germanic origin

Verb

Middle English quiveren "to quiver," probably from quiver "agile, quick"

More from Merriam-Webster on quiver

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