tremor

noun

trem·​or ˈtre-mər How to pronounce tremor (audio)
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
3
a
: a feeling of uncertainty or insecurity
a tremor of hesitation
b
: a cause of such a feeling

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 That one also caused no major damage, but the tremors were a surprise to the East Coast, where earthquakes are far less common. Kate Talerico, The Mercury News, 6 Apr. 2024 Especially for New Jersey, the tremor was the strongest to hit the Garden State in about 250 years, per NBC News. David Chiu, Peoplemag, 5 Apr. 2024 Some reported feeling tremors in Connecticut, Rhode Island and as far north as Vermont and New Hampshire. Chris Pandolfo, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024 Shein, for its part, puts out thousands of new styles a day — inconceivable kilotons of cheap, essentially disposable clothes produced in response to the most flitting tremors of consumer demand. Jonah Weiner, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Scores of people from as far away as Martinez and Mill Valley reported feeling the tremor to the agency. Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 10 Apr. 2024 The story sent tremors through Australian politics and prompted an apology from then Prime Minister Scott Morrison, who promised to investigate the culture within the legislature. Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024 Residents in the area reported tremors that shook furniture and floors. USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024 Once the earthquake is over, experts say people need to remain cautious, especially if there is severe damage in the areas affected by the tremors. Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 5 Apr. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tremor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of tremor was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near tremor

Cite this Entry

“Tremor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tremor. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

tremor

noun
trem·​or ˈtrem-ər How to pronounce tremor (audio)
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 How to pronounce tremor (audio)
: a trembling or shaking usually from physical weakness, emotional stress, or disease
tremors of the hands

More from Merriam-Webster on tremor

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