quiver

verb

quivered; quivering ˈkwi-və-riŋ 

ˈkwiv-riŋ

intransitive verb

: to shake or move with a slight trembling motion

quiveringly adverb

Synonyms of quiver

• shake
• shudder
• jerk
• tremble
• vibrate
• shiver

Examples of quiver in a Sentence

Her lips quivered when she heard the bad news.

aspen leaves quivering in the breeze

Recent Examples on the Web

Located on the street level of the Harbor Boulevard complex, the new shop gives dessert-loving denizens another place to pick up the quivering treat. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 26 May 2026

Johnston plays poor Bear as a quivering mess wracked with guilt that this monster — who used to be his friend — is the result of his own terrible decision-making. —Katie Walsh, Twin Cities, 23 May 2026

Within minutes, revellers were gasping for breath; their nostrils quivered, their lips turned blue. —Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 23 May 2026

Maggie could see how the soles of her feet strained against the stirrups, her pale fists grinding into the platform, knuckles first and elbows quivering. —Literary Hub, 8 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quiver

• giver
• liver
• livre
• river
• shiver
• sliver
• caregiver
• deliver
• downriver
• lawgiver
• upriver

Kids Definition

quiver

1 of 3 noun

quiv·​er ˈkwiv-ər 

1

: a case for carrying arrows

2

: the arrows in a quiver

quiver

2 of 3 verb

quivered; quivering ˈkwiv-(ə-)riŋ 

: to move with a slight shaking motion

quiver

3 of 3 noun

: the act or action of quivering : tremor

Etymology

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

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