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
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.
As with Lionel, David’s trauma is buried deep—his post-war shell shock shown only through a barely perceptible tremor in his hands; his hopelessness only really glimpsed in one close-up. Radhika Seth, Vogue, 22 May 2025 Cristina puts her career in jeopardy to help Burke hide his hand tremor after he’s shot. Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 16 May 2025 The Bills might not have anything to play for Week 18 against the Jets, but tremors will reverberate through the ballpark a week earlier for the potential Super Bowl preview against the defending champs – plus the reigning season MVP versus reigning Super Bowl MVP. Tim Graham, New York Times, 15 May 2025 The lurching stock market and global tremors caused by Trump’s initial actions plainly added to the sense of instability that often surrounds him. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 14 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for tremor

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tremor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tremor. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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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