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

Burbank experienced moderate shaking during the earthquake, while light tremors were felt across Los Angeles and Long Beach. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 3 Mar. 2025

Nearly 10,000 people from as far away as Calexico and San Diego reported feeling the tremor to the agency. —Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 3 Mar. 2025

Infected cats can also display neurologic signs, like tremors, seizures, incoordination, or blindness. —Vanessa Etienne, People.com, 24 Feb. 2025

But tremors from the volcano on nearby Lanzarote seem like an ominous signal to move on. —David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 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