earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk 
1
: a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin
2
Examples of earthquake in a Sentence
a building destroyed by earthquake
the San Andreas Fault is notorious for its earthquakes
Recent Examples on the Web
An initial tsunami warning was called off within two hours of the earthquake.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.
—William B. Davis, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024
At least 24 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or larger have occurred within 155 miles of the most recent earthquake in the past century, the largest being a 7.9 magnitude earthquake around 53 miles southwest in December 1950.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
The Los Angeles economy — battered for years by recession, civil unrest and a major earthquake — was booming again.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for earthquake 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024
Additional information collected about the earthquake may also prompt U.S.G.S. scientists to update the shake-severity map.
—William B. Davis, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2024
At least 24 earthquakes of magnitude 7 or larger have occurred within 155 miles of the most recent earthquake in the past century, the largest being a 7.9 magnitude earthquake around 53 miles southwest in December 1950.
—Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 17 Dec. 2024
The Los Angeles economy — battered for years by recession, civil unrest and a major earthquake — was booming again.
—Shelby Grad, Los Angeles Times, 16 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for earthquake
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Cite this Entry
“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthquake. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
earthquake
noun
earth·quake
ˈərth-ˌkwāk
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth
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