Quaver

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -eɪvÉ™(r)

Origin

From Middle English quaveren, frequentative form of quaven, cwavien ("to tremble"), equivalent to quave + -er. Cognate with Low German quabbeln ("to quiver"), German quabbeln, quappeln ("to quiver"). More at quave, quab, quiver.

Full definition of quaver

Noun

1. a trembling shake.
2. a trembling of the voice, as in speaking or singing.
3. (music) an eighth note, drawn as a crotchet (quarter note) with a tail.

Related terms

• semiquaver
• demisemiquaver
• hemidemisemiquaver

Verb

1. to shake in a trembling manner.
2. (intransitive) to use the voice in a trembling manner, as in speaking or singing.
3. (transitive) To utter quaveringly.
• AddisonWe shall hear her quavering them ... to some sprightly airs of the opera.