Search Dictionary
Definition of quiver

quiver

/ˈkwɪv.ɚ/
quiv · er
Adverb:quiveringly
•
Plural:quivers
•
Adjective:quivering
•
Past Simple:quivered
•
Past Participle:quivered
•
Present Participle:quivering
JUMP TO:

quiver Lexical Profile

quiver Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A slight trembling movement or sound, especially one caused by a sudden strong emotion.

Example

"A sudden quiver of anticipation ran through the audience as the lights began to dim."

2

A portable case or container used by archers for holding arrows.

Example

"The hunter reached silently over his shoulder to draw another arrow from his quiver."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for quiver
Antonyms
View all antonyms for quiver

• verb

1

To tremble or shake with a slight, rapid motion.

Example

"The dog's tail quivered with excitement when it saw the leash."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for quiver

• Rhymes for quiver

• Nearby Words

quito
quits
quitter
quiver
quivery
quixote
quiz

Word Origin & Etymology

The word has two distinct linguistic origins. The noun meaning 'case for arrows' comes from Anglo-French 'quive', of Germanic origin. The verb meaning 'to tremble' stems from Middle English 'cwiver', meaning nimble or active.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Quiver. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/quiver
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWordsVocabulary HubPositive WordsNegative Words
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.