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

• earthquake
• quake
• shake
• temblor

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 one warning sign that hasn't come yet is something called tremors. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025

The 1992 eruptions began in June of that year following about three weeks of volcanic tremor, Haney said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 14 Feb. 2025

About 7,000 people have left the island, known for its spectacular cliffside views and dormant volcano, which has been hit by hundreds of tremors since January 24, 2025, officials said. —Alan Taylor, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2025

With the bulk of their core players hurt, the Hornets probably won’t be major players leading into the deadline, instead hanging off to the side to be a contributor to a multi-team trade or a smaller move that surely wouldn’t cause much of a tremor. —Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Feb. 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