ENGLISH
REFERENCE

quarters

n.
US //ˈkwɔɹtɝz// UK //kwˈɔːtəz// quar·ters
  1. 1 living space (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Military

    the place where someone lives or stays, especially for soldiers or workers.

    housing or living accommodations, typically provided for military personnel or staff members.

    Example

    The soldiers returned to their quarters after a long day of training.

    Example

    The naval officers were assigned private quarters on the upper deck, while the rest of the crew shared communal bunks below.

    Usage

    Usually plural in this sense.

  2. 2 drinking game (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal American English

    a game where players try to bounce a coin into a glass.

    a social drinking game involving the bouncing of a coin off a table into a glass or container.

    Example

    The students were playing quarters in the kitchen during the party.

    Example

    While common at university social gatherings, the game of quarters is often banned in official campus housing due to alcohol regulations.

Word family

© 2026 English Reference