quiver

¹

[ kwiv-er ]

verb (used with or without object)

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

   Synonyms: shiver, shudder, quake

noun

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

   Synonyms: shake, shiver, shudder

quiver

²

[ kwiv-er ]

noun

1. a case for holding or carrying arrows.
2. the arrows in such a case.

quiver

¹

/ ˈkwɪvə /

verb

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

noun

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

quiver

²

/ ˈkwɪvə /

noun

1. a case for arrows

Derived Forms

• ˈquiveringly, adverb
• ˈquiverer, noun
• ˈquivery, adjective
• ˈquivering, adjective

Other Words From

• quiv·er·er noun
• quiv·er·y adjective
• un·quiv·ered adjective

Word History and Origins

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiver¹

C15: from obsolete cwiver quick, nimble; compare quaver

Origin of quiver²

C13: from Old French cuivre; related to Old English cocer, Old Saxon kokari, Old High German kohhari, Medieval Latin cucurum

Synonym Study

See shake.

Example Sentences

It’s another arrow in the quiver for an institution that aims to combine storytelling, investing and nonprofit commitments to combat the world’s climate crisis.

From TechCrunch

Indeed, self-recording tools and remote submissions seem likely to remain crucial arrows in marketers’ quivers, even as many also re-integrate in-person techniques.

From Digiday

For most adventurers, side-by-sides haven’t been part of the typical outdoor quiver.

From Outside Online

I thought I would need a quiver of face coverings when I realized that wearing them would become part of our daily routines, but this is the only one I really need.

From Outside Online

The fletchings of three arrows stick out from his makeshift quiver, which also holds water, electrolyte tablets, and his antelope tag.

From Popular-Science

And the third arrow, which packs the greatest punch, may never be pulled from the quiver.

From The Daily Beast

The first and last lines of Lolita make my dorsal hairs quiver, as Nabokov intended.

From The Daily Beast

The House speaker has no arrows in his quiver in the fiscal-cliff talks—his caucus will revolt if he caves.

From The Daily Beast

What arrow does Gingrich have in his quiver besides the great debate one-liner that expresses right-wing grievance?

From The Daily Beast

The girls practically quiver with happiness at the attention.

From The Daily Beast

A coquette is said to be an imperfect incarnation of Cupid, as she keeps her beau, and not her arrows, in a quiver.

From Project Gutenberg

And Elam took the quiver, the chariot of the horseman, and the shield was taken down from the wall.

From Project Gutenberg

Her fat red cheeks would quiver with emotion, and be wet with briny tears, over the sorrows of Mr. Trollope's heroines.

From Project Gutenberg

This time it was really Mr. Bills, and Mrs. Biggs went out to meet him, while Eloise felt every nerve quiver with dread.

From Project Gutenberg

Kari stood and a quiver ran through his muscles and I could see his body throb.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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