This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
quaver
[ kwey-ver ]
/ ˈkweɪ vər /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used without object)
to shake tremulously; quiver or tremble: He stood there quavering with fear.
to sound, speak, or sing tremulously: Her voice quavered a moment and then she regained control.
to perform trills in singing or on a musical instrument.
verb (used with object)
to utter, say, or sing with a quavering or tremulous voice.
noun
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
OTHER WORDS FROM quaver
qua·ver·er, nounqua·ver·ing·ly, adverbqua·ver·y, qua·ver·ous, adjectiveun·qua·ver·ing, adjectiveWords nearby quaver
quatre, Quatre Bras, quatrefoil, quattrocento, quattuordecillion, quaver, quay, quayage, Quayle, quayside, quazzy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use quaver in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for quaver
quaver
/ (ˈkweɪvə) /
verb
to say or sing (something) with a trembling voice
(intr) (esp of the voice) to quiver, tremble, or shake
(intr) rare to sing or play quavers or ornamental trills
noun
music a note having the time value of an eighth of a semibreveUsual US and Canadian name: eighth note
a tremulous sound or note
Derived forms of quaver
quaverer, nounquavering, adjectivequaveringly, adverbquavery, adjectiveWord Origin for quaver
C15 (in the sense: to vibrate, quiver 1): from quaven to tremble, of Germanic origin; compare Low German quabbeln to tremble
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012