quiver

1 of 3

noun (1)

quiv·​er ˈkwi-vər How to pronounce quiver (audio)
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

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
The sleeves are the latest arrow in a quiver of turnstile modifications meant to keep evaders at bay while the MTA continues to seek a source for a more modern fare-control system. Evan Simko-Bednarski, New York Daily News, 12 Feb. 2025 Novoa Moreno, who was born at the estate, previously only worked in livestock and agriculture before adding the birdwatching business to his quiver. Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
Verb
Cloudlike bursts and quivering lines give a sense of the physicality of sign language. Aruna D’souza, New York Times, 14 Feb. 2025 The muscles on the haunches of the poor animal quivered and jerked from the exertion. Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 13 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quiver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quiver. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

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

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