1 quaver | Definition of quaver

quaver

verb
qua·​ver | \ ˈkwā-vər How to pronounce quaver (audio) \
quavered; quavering\ ˈkwā-​və-​riŋ How to pronounce quavering (audio) , ˈkwāv-​riŋ \

Definition of quaver

 (Entry 1 of 2)

intransitive verb

1 : tremble
2 : trill
3 : to utter sound in tremulous tones

quaver

noun

Definition of quaver (Entry 2 of 2)

3 : a tremulous sound

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Other Words from quaver

Verb

quaveringly adverb
quavery \ ˈkwā-​və-​rē How to pronounce quavery (audio) , ˈkwāv-​rē \ adjective

Synonyms for quaver

Synonyms: Verb

trill, warble

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Examples of quaver in a Sentence

Verb

Her voice quavered during the speech. He spoke in quavering tones.
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Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Most earthquakes, including those that quavered under southern California this week, stem from cracks in the earth’s crust, known as faults. Anya Van Wagtendonk, Vox, "More earthquakes could come, but predicting them is difficult," 4 July 2019 Cracked, punched, slathered, and slabbed, Zhang’s works are visceral embodiments of quavering humanity. Julia Couzens, sacbee, "Power to the people -- through clay | The Sacramento Bee," 4 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quaver.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of quaver

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Noun

1533, in the meaning defined at sense 2

History and Etymology for quaver

Verb

Middle English, frequentative of quaven to tremble

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More Definitions for quaver

quaver

verb

English Language Learners Definition of quaver

 (Entry 1 of 2)

of your voice : to produce sound in an unsteady way especially because you are afraid or nervous

quaver

noun

English Language Learners Definition of quaver (Entry 2 of 2)

: an unsteady sound in someone's voice that is caused by fear or other strong emotions

quaver

verb
qua·​ver | \ ˈkwā-vər How to pronounce quaver (audio) \
quavered; quavering

Kids Definition of quaver

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: to sound in shaky or unsteady tones My voice quavered nervously.

quaver

noun

Kids Definition of quaver (Entry 2 of 2)

: a sound that trembles or is unsteady My voice was a little too loud and there was a distinct quaver in it …— Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved

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More from Merriam-Webster on quaver

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with quaver

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quaver

Spanish Central: Translation of quaver

Nglish: Translation of quaver for Spanish Speakers

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