seismic

adjective

seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik 

ˈsīs-

1

: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake

also : of or relating to an earth vibration caused by something else (such as an explosion or the impact of a meteorite)

2

: of or relating to a vibration on a celestial body (such as the moon) comparable to a seismic event on earth

3

: having a strong or widespread impact : earthshaking

seismic social changes

seismically

ˈsīz-mi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of seismic in a Sentence

Seismic social changes have occurred.

Recent Examples on the Web

Rodríguez also confirmed that there have been 432 seismic events following the earthquakes on Wednesday, El Nacional reported. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026

However, either of those options would leave Houston one reliever short in a bullpen that just shouldered a seismic workload during this seven-game road trip. — Chandler Rome, New York Times, 29 June 2026

Rodríguez said the country has now recorded 611 seismic events since the disaster began, including the two main earthquakes and 609 aftershocks, underscoring the persistent instability of the affected region. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 29 June 2026

Most health centers will be required to comply with seismic standards — or transition facilities away from their uses as general acute hospitals. — Grant Stringer, Mercury News, 28 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek seismos shock, earthquake, from seiein to shake; probably akin to Avestan thwaēshō fear

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing seismic

• seismic shift

Kids Definition

seismic

adjective

seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik 

ˈsīs-

: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or an earth vibration caused by something else (as an explosion)