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

3

a

: a feeling of uncertainty or insecurity

a tremor of hesitation

b

: a cause of such a feeling

Synonyms

• 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

The tremor, which struck the area at 10:44 p.m., was centered roughly 6 miles east-southeast of Alum Rock. —Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Aug. 2025

There are different kinds of tremors, such as resting tremor, action tremor, or intention tremor. —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 11 Aug. 2025

Additionally, because dopamine also controls movement and hormone regulation, blocking D2 can cause side effects like stiffness, tremors, and hormonal changes. —New Atlas, 11 Aug. 2025

In a statement posted on social media, New York City Emergency Management said Saturday's tremor may have been felt in parts of New York City but that there were no reports of injuries or damage in the city. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2025

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