quiver

¹ American  

[kwiv-er] / ˈkwɪv ər /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to shake with a slight but rapid motion; vibrate tremulously; tremble.

   Synonyms:

   shiver, shudder, quake, quake

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noun

1. the act or state of quivering; a tremble or tremor.

   Synonyms:

   shake, shiver, shudder

quiver ² American  

[kwiv-er] / ˈkwɪv ər /

noun

1. a case for holding or carrying arrows.

2. the arrows in such a case.

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quiver ¹ British  

/ ˈkwɪvə /

verb

1. (intr) to shake with a rapid tremulous movement; tremble

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noun

1. the state, process, or noise of shaking or trembling

quiver ² British  

/ ˈkwɪvə /

noun

1. a case for arrows

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Related Words

See shake.

Other Word Forms

• quiverer noun
• quivering adjective
• quiveringly adverb
• quivery adjective
• unquivered adjective

Etymology

Origin of quiver¹

First recorded in 1480–90; origin uncertain; compare Middle Dutch quiveren “to tremble”

Origin of quiver²

1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French quiveir, variant of Old French quivre; perhaps < Germanic; compare Old English cocer quiver

Example Sentences

Death is in the air; after one dancer collapses, another starts to sway and quiver, holding her hands, fingers splayed, in front of her face and chest as they pulsate in and out.

From New York Times

The butterflies enter first, quivering gaily atop their sticks.

From New York Times

Some Maori elements of the style are closer to pantomime, closer to speech, like chest-thumping and quivering hands, which electrify poses and add a thrilling shimmer.

From New York Times

At this unfettered stage in her career, Del Rey’s music is driven by a tension between freedom and structure; her greatest material finds its quivering equilibrium.

From New York Times

When asked why he was so personal to him, Wallace’s voice started to quiver some more.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• convulse
• pulsate
• shiver
• shudder
• throb
• tremble