quaver

Everyday

1. (music, UK) A note that lasts half a beat in common time — half as long as a crotchet; in the USA it is called an eighth note. tree →
2. (verb) When a voice quavers, it shakes because the person is afraid, nervous, old or upset. tree →
3. (noun) A shake or tremble in the voice. tree →

In the lessons

In music lessons a quaver is drawn as a filled-in note with a stem and one flag (tail); two or more quavers are often joined by a beam. Two quavers equal one crotchet. In stories a quavering voice shows fear or sadness. Also «Quavers» is a UK crisp brand.

Examples

• A quaver lasts half as long as a crotchet. tree →
• Two quavers make one beat in 4/4 time. tree →
• Her voice quavered as she said goodbye. tree →
• «Is anyone there?» he asked with a quaver in his voice. tree →
• In America a quaver is called an eighth note. tree →
• The quavers were joined together with a beam. tree →
• The old man's voice quavered as he sang. tree →
• A semibreve equals eight quavers. tree →

Note

Countable; plural «quavers». Past form «quavered». UK names: semibreve (4 beats), minim (2), crotchet (1), quaver (1/2), semiquaver (1/4). US names: whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth note. Maths: 1 semibreve = 2 minims = 4 crotchets = 8 quavers.