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

Patients with Parkinson's disease experience symptoms including problems with movement, tremors, muscle stiffness and instability, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 17 Feb. 2026

Rodrigues said the procedures improve tremors and other symptoms. —Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 17 Feb. 2026

Shock absorbers built into the base of the structure, meanwhile, will be tasked with safeguarding the telescope from the threat posed by earthquake tremors. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 16 Feb. 2026

The only sign of movement is a slight twitch of the shoulder, the Slovenian’s superstrength, a tremor that can change everything. —Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Feb. 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