quaver

American  

[kwey-ver] / ˈkweɪ vər /

verb (used without object)

1. to shake tremulously; quiver or tremble.

   He stood there quavering with fear.

2. to sound, speak, or sing tremulously.

   Her voice quavered a moment and then she regained control.

3. to perform trills in singing or on a musical instrument.

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verb (used with object)

1. to utter, say, or sing with a quavering or tremulous voice.

noun

1. a quavering or tremulous shake, especially in the voice.

2. a quavering tone or utterance.

3. Music (chiefly British). an eighth note.

quaver British  

/ ˈkweɪvə /

verb

1. to say or sing (something) with a trembling voice

2. (intr) (esp of the voice) to quiver, tremble, or shake

3. rare (intr) to sing or play quavers or ornamental trills

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noun

1. Usual US and Canadian name: eighth note.  music a note having the time value of an eighth of a semibreve

2. a tremulous sound or note

Other Word Forms

• quaverer noun
• quavering adjective
• quaveringly adverb
• quaverous adjective
• quavery adjective
• unquavering adjective

Etymology

Origin of quaver

1400–50; late Middle English quaveren (v.), blend of quake and waver ¹

Example Sentences

"And if you fear, you should not be of this party. It is bad enough that we must drag the boy along, quavering in his boots."

From Literature

“I didn’t realize!” said Anja, and her voice quavered and cracked.

From Literature

What only seems familiar: Powering out of a slow corner with the pedal pinned, the car pulling its guts out, stretching for the redline, revs quavering at the upshifts.

From The Wall Street Journal

“His lips are quavering. World War Three is about to break out. ‘Toy-lay paper?

From Literature

The voice that sang it was profound and strong, but quavering and not quite in tune: an old oak tree with a strong trunk but with branches starting to kink and leaves to wither.

From The Wall Street Journal