quotient

American  

[kwoh-shuhnt] / ˈkwoʊ ʃənt /

noun

Mathematics.

1. the result of division; the number of times one quantity is contained in another.

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quotient British  

/ ˈkwəʊʃənt /

noun

1. 1. the result of the division of one number or quantity by another

   2. the integral part of the result of division

2. a ratio of two numbers or quantities to be divided

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quotient Scientific  

/ kwō′shənt /

1. The number that results when one number is divided by another. If 6 is divided by 3, the quotient can be represented as 2, or as 6 ÷ 3, or as the fraction 6/3.

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Etymology

Origin of quotient

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English quociens, quocient, from Latin quotiēns “how many times”

Explanation

When you add two numbers the answer is called the sum. When you divide two numbers the answer is called the quotient. The quotient of six divided by two is three. Quotient comes from Latin and means "how many times." That makes a lot of sense: if you divide one number by a second, you are figuring out "how many times" the second number goes into the first. Outside of math, use of the word is restricted: the IQ test is short for "Intelligence Quotient," and very rarely you might hear someone ask, "What's my quotient of cupcakes?" when they mean "What is my share?"

Example Sentences

As is the company’s way, the surprise-and-delight quotient is high.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

As a global brand with a perceived "cool quotient", owning a Tesla will be a status symbol for the young, aspirational Indian population.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2025

The British automaker, known for two-seat convertibles with a high coolness quotient, serves this vehicle up with scissor doors and rear haunches that convey power.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 26, 2024

Reddit threads help introverts banter like the pros or suggest ways one can boost a conversation’s banter quotient.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2024

I can’t help but be a little intrigued by his unknown quotient.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman