# quake

/ˈkweɪk/ (US) · /kwˈeɪk/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/quake
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

a sudden shaking of the ground. It is a shorter, more casual way to say earthquake.

For teachers: a sudden and violent shaking of the ground, typically resulting from movements within the earth's crust or volcanic action. Often used as a clipped form of 'earthquake' in journalistic or informal contexts.

## Examples

- The small quake rattled the windows but caused no damage.
- Geologists warned that the minor quake could be a precursor to a much larger seismic event.
- While the initial quake lasted only seconds, the subsequent structural assessments revealed deep fissures in the foundation that rendered the historic library unsafe for public use.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in news headlines to save space; often paired with modifiers like 'minor', 'major', or 'aftershock'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.