tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtre-mər 

1

a

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

b

: nervous excitement

2

: a quivering or vibratory motion

especially : a discrete small movement following or preceding a major seismic event

tremors being felt days after the earthquake

3

a

: a feeling of uncertainty or insecurity

a tremor of hesitation

b

: a cause of such a feeling

Synonyms of tremor

• quake
• earthquake

Examples of tremor in a Sentence

Small tremors were still being felt several days after the earthquake.

I heard a tremor in her voice.

His tremors were caused by the disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Blackouts and seizures, tremors that became full-body shakes, stabbing chest pains. — Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 30 July 2026

Residents in several cities - such as Norwalk, Paramount, Cerritos, Long Beach and Bellflower - reported experiencing the tremor, according to the USGS DYFI report. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Japan ‌is one of the ​world’s most earthquake-prone countries, with a tremor occurring at least every 5 minutes. — CNN Money, 28 July 2026

Takaichi encouraged people to remain vigilant and warned that more tremors could hit over the next week. — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 28 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tremour, from Anglo-French tremor, from Latin, from tremere

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for tremor

• emmer
• condemnor

Kids Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

1

: a trembling or shaking usually caused by weakness or disease

2

: a quivering or vibrating motion

especially : a small movement of the earth before or after an earthquake

Medical Definition

tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtrem-ər 

: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease

tremors of the hands