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

Common motor symptoms include tremors, stiffness and slow movement, while non-motor ones include anxiety, depression, sleep problems and fatigue. — Charles Trepany, USA Today, 15 July 2026

Feynman’s own experiment showed a slight tremor when pressure was first applied to pump water through the nozzle, and then the sprinkler returned to its original position and remained still. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 July 2026

Residents reported feeling the tremor in multiple cities, including Fullerton, Porterville, Paramount and Los Angeles based on the USGS DYFI report. — Southern California Weather Report, Daily News, 12 July 2026

These tremors are made possible by faults — cracks in the bedrock — deep below the surface, according to Bauer. — Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 10 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