seismic

adjective

seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik How to pronounce seismic (audio)
ˈsīs-
1
: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake
also : of or relating to an earth vibration caused by something else (such as an explosion or the impact of a meteorite)
2
: of or relating to a vibration on a celestial body (such as the moon) comparable to a seismic event on earth
3
: having a strong or widespread impact : earthshaking
seismic social changes
seismically adverb

Examples of seismic in a Sentence

Seismic social changes have occurred.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The launch is particularly seismic in the UK due to the long-running content pact between Warner Bros/HBO and Sky, which to this point as been the only home of new HBO shows, even leading the launch of pay channel Sky Atlantic. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 9 Feb. 2026 These mini-seismic events are not considered true earthquakes because there is no movement along faults or tectonic plate boundaries. Tammie Souza, CBS News, 7 Feb. 2026 These scraps of seismic data from everyday life are gathered by the nodes’ internal geophones. Lauren Steele, The Atlantic, 7 Feb. 2026 The Rangers also don’t think that Gore — a former third-overall draft choice, top-five prospect in baseball and the one-time centerpiece of the San Diego Padres’ acquisition of outfielder Juan Soto — is in any need of a seismic makeover or arsenal overhaul. Shawn McFarland, Dallas Morning News, 6 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seismic

Word History

Etymology

Greek seismos shock, earthquake, from seiein to shake; probably akin to Avestan thwaēshō fear

First Known Use

1858, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seismic was in 1858

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Cite this Entry

“Seismic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seismic. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

Kids Definition

seismic

adjective
seis·​mic ˈsīz-mik How to pronounce seismic (audio)
ˈsīs-
: of, subject to, or caused by an earthquake or an earth vibration caused by something else (as an explosion)

More from Merriam-Webster on seismic

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