quaver

[ kwey-ver ]

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.

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

/ 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

noun

1. music a note having the time value of an eighth of a semibreve Usual US and Canadian nameeighth note
2. a tremulous sound or note

Derived Forms

• ˈquavering, adjective
• ˈquaverer, noun
• ˈquavery, adjective
• ˈquaveringly, adverb

Other Words From

• quaver·er noun
• quaver·ing·ly adverb
• quaver·y quaver·ous adjective
• un·quaver·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaver¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quaver¹

C15 (in the sense: to vibrate, quiver ¹): from quaven to tremble, of Germanic origin; compare Low German quabbeln to tremble

Example Sentences

Throughout the history of American music, blues, jazz and soul singers have used the jazzy quaver for the subtlest nuances of emotion: for tension, playfulness, defiance, flirtatiousness, ache or just blithe ornamentation.

From New York Times

Voice quavering, I told Sam that I was looking for an actual relationship, one that could go somewhere.

From Los Angeles Times

“Keep up the fight,” he told the audience in a quavering voice.

From Seattle Times

Dressed in a traditional feathered cloak, her voice quavered as she thrust a photo of her mother at the committee.

From BBC

A caller who did not identify himself pleaded in a quavering voice for the council to oppose the ban.

From Los Angeles Times