quiver

1 of 3

noun (1)

quiv·​er ˈkwi-vər How to pronounce quiver (audio)
Synonyms of quivernext
1
: a case for carrying or holding arrows
2
: the arrows in a quiver

quiver

2 of 3

verb

quivered; quivering ˈkwi-və-riŋ How to pronounce quiver (audio)
ˈkwiv-riŋ

intransitive verb

: to shake or move with a slight trembling motion
quiveringly adverb

quiver

3 of 3

noun (2)

: the act or action of quivering : tremor

Synonyms

Verb

Noun (2)

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

Examples of quiver in a Sentence

Verb Her lips quivered when she heard the bad news. aspen leaves quivering in the breeze Noun (2) a quiver ran through the audience when the monster cornered the movie's hero
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.
Noun
As the most pointed Silver Arrow of Mercedes’ quiver over the first decade of the 21st Century, the CLK63 AMG deserves a seat at the table of historic Benzes. — Jeremy Korzeniewski, Robb Report, 26 Feb. 2025 In fairness, confidence should be the sharpest arrow in a rapper’s quiver. — Driadonna Roland, refinery29.com, 19 Feb. 2025
Verb
Shot in quivering close-ups, this coming-of-age film follows a reticent teenager from a religious household, and her all-girl choir’s trip to a convent. — Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 Rather than the steady, slow flow scientists expected, the ice quivered with tiny seismic disturbances. — Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quiver

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Anglo-French quivre, of Germanic origin; akin to Old English cocer quiver, Old High German kohhari

Verb

Middle English, probably from quiver agile, quick; akin to Old English cwiferlice zealously

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1786, in the meaning defined above

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

Rhymes for quiver

See All Rhymes for quiver

Browse Nearby Words

qui va là?
quiver
quiverer
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quiver. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

quiver

1 of 3 noun
quiv·​er ˈkwiv-ər How to pronounce quiver (audio)
1
: a case for carrying arrows
2
: the arrows in a quiver

quiver

2 of 3 verb
quivered; quivering ˈkwiv-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce quiver (audio)
: to move with a slight shaking motion

quiver

3 of 3 noun
: the act or action of quivering : tremor
Etymology

Noun

Middle English quiver "a case for carrying arrows," from early French quivre (same meaning); of Germanic origin

Verb

Middle English quiveren "to quiver," probably from quiver "agile, quick"

More from Merriam-Webster on quiver

Nglish: Translation of quiver for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quiver

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