earthquake

noun

earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk How to pronounce earthquake (audio)
Synonyms of earthquakenext
1
: a shaking or trembling of the earth that is volcanic or tectonic in origin
2
: upheaval sense 2

Synonyms of earthquake

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Examples of earthquake in a Sentence

a building destroyed by earthquake the San Andreas Fault is notorious for its earthquakes
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their contractor has been installing an emergency sewer holding tank that will help the hospital operate in the event of a natural disaster such as an earthquake. — Nicole Comstock, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026 The main home was razed after a 1925 earthquake, and the estate was later subdivided into 34 parcels. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 20 Aug. 2026 The earthquake's epicenter was about 1 mile north of The Geysers and occurred at a depth of 1 mile. — Ca Earthquake Bot, Sacbee.com, 20 Aug. 2026 The earthquake was felt in several regions of southern Peru, including Ica and Arequipa. — ABC News, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for earthquake

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Rhymes for earthquake

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Browse Nearby Words

earth quadrant
earthquake
earthquaked
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Cite this Entry

“Earthquake.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/earthquake. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

earthquake

noun
earth·​quake ˈərth-ˌkwāk How to pronounce earthquake (audio)
: a shaking or trembling of a portion of the earth

More from Merriam-Webster on earthquake

Nglish: Translation of earthquake for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about earthquake

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