earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk 

1

: a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin

2

: upheaval sense 2

Synonyms

• quake
• shake
• temblor
• tremor

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

Although Onagawa was closer to the earthquake’s epicenter and faced an even more powerful tsunami, the reactors there – which were identical in type and age to Fukushima’s and subject to the same regulations – emerged almost unscathed. —Najmedin Meshkati, The Conversation, 15 Jan. 2025

As Stephen Nesbitt wrote in a beautiful feature yesterday, Sasaki’s hometown was largely wiped away by the infamous Tohoku earthquake. —Chris Branch, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

Japan's Meteorological Agency initially estimated the earthquake at a magnitude of 6.9, but later downgraded it to 6.6. —John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025

Sunday, January 12, 2025 marked the 15th anniversary of Haiti’s devastating 7.0 earthquake. —Jacqueline Charles and, Miami Herald, 13 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk 

: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth