ENGLISH
REFERENCE

quad

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈkwɑd// UK //kwˈɒd// quad
  1. 1 four-wheeled vehicle (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a small vehicle with four wheels that you can ride over rough ground.

    a small, open, four-wheeled off-road vehicle, typically used for recreation or agricultural work.

    Example

    We spent the afternoon riding a quad across the muddy fields.

    Example

    The farmer used a quad to reach the remote parts of the estate where the terrain was too rugged for a standard tractor.
  2. 2 leg muscle (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Medicine

    the large muscle at the front of your thigh.

    the quadriceps femoris muscle, located on the anterior aspect of the thigh.

    Example

    My quads were really sore the day after I went hiking.

    Example

    The athlete focused on strengthening his quads to improve his explosive power during the sprint start.
    • quadriceps
  3. 3 courtyard (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    a square or rectangular open space surrounded by buildings, often at a university.

    a quadrangle; a rectangular courtyard typically enclosed by academic or residential buildings.

    Example

    Students often gather in the college quad to study when it is sunny.

    Example

    The university's central quad is flanked by Gothic-style libraries and administrative offices, providing a quiet sanctuary from the city traffic.
  4. 4 one of four children (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    one of four children born to the same mother at the same time.

    a quadruplet; one of four offspring born at a single birth.

    Example

    She is a quad, so she has three brothers who look just like her.

    Example

    The local newspaper featured a story on the quads as they prepared for their first day of primary school together.
    • quadruplet
  5. 5 drone (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    a small flying machine with four spinning blades.

    a quadcopter; an unmanned aerial vehicle propelled by four rotors.

    Example

    He flew his quad over the park to get some aerial photos.

    Example

    The hobbyist upgraded the motors on his quad to achieve better stability during high-wind conditions.
  6. 6 four times (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    four times the usual size, amount, or number.

    quadruple; consisting of four parts or being four times as great.

    Example

    I ordered a quad espresso because I was feeling very tired.

    Example

    The barista looked surprised when the customer requested a quad shot of caffeine in such a small cup.
  7. 7 to ride a quad bike (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    to ride or drive a four-wheeled off-road vehicle.

    to operate or travel via a quad bike, typically in an off-road or recreational context.

    Example

    They went quadding in the desert during their holiday.

    Example

    The group spent the weekend quadding through the forest trails, despite the heavy rain and deep mud.

Origin

Shortened, via clipping or abbreviation, from various English terms. Ultimately related to Latin quattuor (“4”); compare quadri-, quadruple. The typography senses are from the abbreviation quad. for obsolete quadrat; the keyboard command comes from the verb sense.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026