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quarter

n. · v.
US //ˈkwɔɹtɝ// UK //kwˈɔːtɐ// quar·ter
  1. 1 one of four parts (n.)
    A1 Beginner Math

    one of four equal parts of something.

    one of four equal parts into which something is or may be divided.

    Example

    Cut the apple into quarters so everyone can have a piece.

    Example

    The chef instructed the apprentice to divide the dough into quarters before weighing each portion to ensure consistency across the loaves.
  2. 2 time and money (n.)
    A1 Beginner American English

    fifteen minutes past or before the hour; also a 25-cent coin in the US and Canada.

    a period of fifteen minutes; additionally, a coin representing one-fourth of a dollar.

    Example

    The train leaves at a quarter past four this afternoon.

    Example

    He fumbled in his pocket for a quarter to pay the parking meter, but found only small copper coins.
    • fifteen minutes
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  1. 3 three months (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Academic Finance

    a period of three months, often used in business or school.

    a three-month period in a financial or academic year.

    Example

    The company reported its highest profits during the last quarter of the year.

    Example

    The university's autumn quarter begins in late September, following the conclusion of the summer research session.
  2. 4 a district or area (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a specific part of a town or city.

    a specific district or section of a city, often associated with a particular group or activity.

    Example

    We spent the afternoon exploring the old French quarter of the city.

    Example

    The diplomatic quarter is heavily guarded, housing most of the foreign embassies and international administrative offices.
  3. 5 a source of help or news (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    a person or group where information or help comes from.

    an unspecified person or group from whom help, information, or a reaction originates.

    Example

    Support for the new law came from an unexpected quarter.

    Example

    The proposal met with stiff resistance from certain quarters within the ministry, delaying the project by several months.
  4. 6 mercy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Literary

    mercy shown to an enemy who has been defeated.

    mercy or leniency shown to a defeated opponent, especially the agreement to spare their life.

    Example

    The soldiers were told to show no quarter to the invading army.

    Example

    The rebels fought with the desperation of men who knew that no quarter would be granted should they surrender.
    • ruthlessness
  5. 7 to divide by four (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Cooking

    to cut or divide something into four equal pieces.

    to divide a whole into four equal parts.

    Example

    Quarter the potatoes before putting them in the boiling water.

    Example

    The recipe requires you to quarter the citrus fruits and remove the seeds before blending them into a smooth paste.
  6. 8 to provide housing (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to provide a place for someone to stay, especially soldiers.

    to provide lodging or accommodation, particularly for military personnel.

    Example

    The troops were quartered in local farmhouses during the winter.

    Example

    The government was forced to quarter the displaced families in temporary shelters until the floodwaters receded.
Etymology 1

From Middle English quarter, from Anglo-Norman quarter, from Latin quartarius, from quartus. Compare Spanish cuarto (“room, quarters; quarter”). Doublet of quartier.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from French cartayer.

Word family

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