shaking

[ shey-king ]

noun

1. the act of a person or thing that shakes.
2. ague, with or without chill and fever.
3. shakings, Nautical. waste rope, canvas, etc.

adjective

1. moving or swaying with short, quick, irregular vibratory movements; quivering.

Other Words From

• shaking·ly adverb
• un·shaking adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shaking¹

Middle English word dating back to 1175–1225; shake, -ing ¹

Example Sentences

There are three attachments, including one that heats up, for deeper tissue relief, and a vibrating ball that boosts the shaking sensation.

From Outside Online

He, like so many of his colleagues, preferred an easy shrug to the trickier shaking of the head.

From Washington Post

That makes it easier for weak or shaking fingers to hold, and means a user can lean the wand against their cheek for support as they swipe hues across their eyelids.

From Popular-Science

The shaking can telegraph a subtle light breeze or vibrate vigorously enough to make you spill your drink during a horror game jump-scare.

From Popular-Science

I shifted my gaze between the road before me and down at my shaking legs as I strained to put one foot in front of the other.

From Outside Online

The brother of a girl who made her debut in New Orleans society was shaking his fists in excitement.

From The Daily Beast

“I feel a shaking of the ground I stand on,” Carson tells Mrs. Hughes with trepidation.

From The Daily Beast

But mostly they just walked, their faces somber, their hands shaking as the snow began to fall.

From The Daily Beast

Economic development, then, is not simply about adding a cornucopia of talent or cool, then shaking and stirring it like a drink.

From The Daily Beast

She lost control of her bladder as she crouched in a corner, shaking, and unable to move her body due to the shock.

From The Daily Beast

When ordinary methods do not suffice, it can usually be cleared by shaking up with a little magnesium carbonate and filtering.

From Project Gutenberg

Lamb with shaking fingers places the required amount in front of him.

From Project Gutenberg

"Never better pleased to see anyone in my life," said Blair, nearly shaking Lawrence's arm off.

From Project Gutenberg

"You have give a limb," repeated Perry, emphasizing the announcement by shaking his finger at the old man.

From Project Gutenberg

"It's like that out here on the Riviera," said Jane, shaking her head so gloomily that the ruffled cap wobbled.

From Project Gutenberg