What does quaver mean?
Quaver has two closely related uses. In music, a quaver is a note that lasts as long as two sixteenth notes; this is the traditional British term for an eighth note, while American English more often uses the latter expression. In descriptions of speech, a quaver is a rapid, trembling, or unsteady vocal sound. People say that a voice quavers when fear, age, illness, or strong emotion makes the speaker’s tone waver, and the verb can also mean to tremble or quiver slightly. The word is especially familiar in British musical terminology, where a quaver is the larger of the two notes commonly shown by flag-like tails: a quaver has one flag, while a semiquaver has two. Outside music, quaver usually carries a slightly expressive connotation, describing a voice that sounds nervous, aged, emotional, or otherwise difficult to control.
A musical note equal in duration to two sixteenth notes, traditionally called an eighth note; also a trembling or unsteady sound of the voice.
"The piece was brisk, with quavers running through its final movement."
The musical sense is chiefly British; in North American English, eighth note is more common.
To speak or sing with a rapid, trembling, or unsteady voice; to tremble or quiver slightly.
"She tried to announce the result, but her voice quavered."
Often describes a voice affected by fear, age, illness, or strong emotion.
Used chiefly in British English for the musical notes; a quaver is twice the duration of a semiquaver.
"The opening line is built from quavers and paired semiquavers."
In British musical terminology, a quaver is an eighth note, while a semiquaver is a sixteenth note.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quaver come from?
The musical sense is associated with the British English term ultimately borrowed from German, where Quaver names an eighth note and is related to an older German family of words describing rapid movement or trembling. The verbal sense developed from the idea of speaking or moving with a trembling, unsteady quality. The word’s history therefore links its musical meaning with the rapid or quivering motion suggested by its older associations.
Related word forms
How quaver is actually used
As a musical term, quaver is especially common in British English; North American usage more often prefers eighth note. In descriptions of speech, quaver often suggests a voice that trembles from fear, age, illness, or strong emotion, although it can also describe an intentionally wavering vocal style.
Easily confused with quaver
A quaver is a musical note or an unsteady voice, whereas a quiver is a container for arrows or a slight shaking movement.