What does shivering mean?
Shivering is an involuntary trembling or shaking of the body. Its most familiar use describes the rapid muscle contractions that occur when a person becomes cold, although the word can also refer to trembling prompted by fear, fever, excitement, or another intense physical or emotional response. Shivering may involve the whole body or a particular part, such as the hands, and it generally consists of small, rapid movements rather than the broader movement implied by “shaking.” The word can function as a present participle, as in “a shivering traveler,” or name the activity itself: “Her shivering continued through the night.” Though it resembles an ordinary volitional action, shivering is typically not deliberately controlled. It is therefore especially effective in descriptions of cold, illness, fear, and vulnerability, where the involuntary quality communicates discomfort or danger.
To tremble or shake with small, rapid, usually involuntary movements, especially because of cold, fear, fever, or strong emotion.
"The exhausted hikers shivered as they reached the shelter."
The sense involving cold is the most common. Shivering can also be used figuratively for trembling from fear or intense emotion.
Trembling or shaking, especially from cold, fear, or another strong sensation.
"She wrapped her shivering fingers around the warm mug."
This adjectival use is typically found before a noun.
Shivering is the body's quick-fire defense against cold—and it can even help generate heat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shivering come from?
The word comes from the Middle English verb “shivere,” attested by the late medieval period. Its precise pre-English origin is uncertain, although forms related to trembling or rapid movement exist in other Germanic languages.
Related word forms
How shivering is actually used
In its usual sense, shivering is involuntary and most often describes the rapid contractions of the body in response to cold. It can also describe trembling caused by fear, illness, or excitement. As an adjective, it commonly occurs before a noun, as in “shivering hands.”
Easily confused with shivering
Shaking can describe any movement caused by holding or moving something, whereas shivering usually refers to involuntary trembling of the body.
Shimmering describes a shifting pattern of light or a wavering appearance, while shivering refers to physical trembling.