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• quad
  quad

  noun

  a quadrangle as on a college campus.
• quad.
  quad.

  abbreviation

  quadrangle.

quad

¹ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

Informal.

1. a quadrangle as on a college campus.

   The downpour started before we were halfway across the quad.

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quad ² American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

1. Also called quadrat.  a piece of type metal of less height than the lettered types, serving to cause a blank in printed matter, used for spacing.

   a wooden box of assorted quads.

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verb (used with object)

quadded, quadding

1. to space out (matter) by means of quads.

   You'll need to quad this column tightly—the editor's letter is running a little long.

quad ³ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

Informal.

1. a quadruplet.

   Can you believe how tiny those quads are?

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quad ⁴ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

adjective

1. quadraphonic.

   I remember when my quad turntable was the hottest new thing in record players.

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noun

1. quadraphonic sound, or an electronic system for reproducing it.

   The recording sounded best in quad.

quad ⁵ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

adjective

1. designating or comprising four persons or things.

   rates for quad occupancy; a quad-level house.

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noun

1. Informal. quadruple occupancy.

   Rates are based on quad.

quad ⁶ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

Informal.

1. quadriplegic.

   a special ward for quads.

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quad ⁷ American  

noun

Informal.

1. quadricep.

   Flex the right quad and push your weight toward the right heel.

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quad ⁸ American  

noun

Informal.

1. quadcopter.

   These affordable quads are a boon to both amateur and professional photographers.

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quad. ⁹ American  

abbreviation

1. quadrangle.

2. quadrant.

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quad ¹ British  

/ kwɒd /

adjective

1. short for quadraphonic or quadraphonics See quadraphonic

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noun

1. anatomy short for quadriceps

quad. ² British  

abbreviation

1. quadrangle

2. quadrilateral

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quad ³ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. short for quadrangle

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quad ⁴ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. printing a block of type metal used for spacing

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quad ⁵ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. a variant spelling of quod

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quad ⁶ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. short for quadruplet

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Other Word Forms

• unquadded
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of quad¹

First recorded in 1810–20; by shortening

Origin of quad²

First recorded in 1875–80; shortening of quadrat

Origin of quad³

First recorded in 1895–1900; by shortening

Origin of quad⁴

First recorded in 1970–75; by shortening

Origin of quad⁵

First recorded in 1880–85; shortening of quadruple or words formed with quadri-

Origin of quad⁶

First recorded in 1970–75; by shortening

Origin of quad⁷

First recorded in 1955–60; by shortening

Origin of quad⁸

First recorded in 2010–15; by shortening

Explanation

A quad is a rectangular shaped area, especially on a university campus, that's enclosed by buildings. Your college friend might tell you to meet her in the quad after lunch. Quad is an abbreviation, most commonly short for quadrangle, a kind of four-sided courtyard usually defined by a large lawn and surrounded by buildings. Another kind of quad — also an abbreviation — is the large muscle in the top of your thigh, more formally known as a quadriceps muscle. Quadrangle and its nickname, quad, were 1800's Oxford slang, from the Latin root quadri, or "four."

Example Sentences

"That's why they're part of the Quad along with other countries involved. Pressure is being applied to the relevant parties."

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Many think the best diplomatic hope is talks by the so-called Quad nations - the United States, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Egypt.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

Talks mediated by the Quad -- the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Egypt -- have stalled for months, with Burhan accusing mediators of favouring the UAE.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026

Someone please tell the Quad God: The world loves a comeback even more than a quadruple axel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 14, 2026

She sped down the steps and across the quadrangle, between the chapel and Palmer’s Tower and into the Yaxley Quad, where the oldest buildings of the College stood.

From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman