quadriga

American  

[kwo-dree-guh, -drahy-] / kwɒˈdri gə, -ˈdraɪ- /

noun

Classical Antiquity.

• quadrigae
  plural

1. a two-wheeled chariot drawn by four horses harnessed abreast.

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quadriga British  

/ kwɒˈdriːɡə /

noun

1. (in the classical world) a two-wheeled chariot drawn by four horses abreast

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• quadrigae
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of quadriga

1720–30; < Latin quadrīga, earlier plural quadrīgae, contraction of quadrijugae a team of four; cf. quadri-, yoke ¹

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quadriga quadrigae

An image of a quadriga, a four-horse chariot, from one of the collection’s numerous antique coins, became the foundation’s emblem, symbolizing its four pillars: culture, education, science and philanthropy.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 26, 2026

On the apex of the roof was a quadriga, a blatant symbol of martial triumph depicting four horses being driven by Jupiter himself.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 15, 2016

In classical times, the quadriga was a four-horse chariot used for racing -- or even driven by the goddess Nike.

From The Guardian ● Jul. 27, 2015

It's true that as monumental edifices symbolic of Berlin go, the Brandenburg Gate and its quadriga are fairly innocuous - but it's a strictly relative thing, given the alternatives on offer are hardly promising.

From BBC ● May 18, 2012

Opposite to these is another bas-relief representing Titus in the quadriga, the reins borne by the goddess Roma.

From Walks in Rome by Augustus J. C. Hare

The white horse charging over the Carthaginian dead presages all the great white quadrigae that would soon soar through the heavens.

From Time Magazine Archive

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