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Quaker

American  
[kway-ker] / ˈkweɪ kər /

noun

  1. a popular name for a member of the Society of Friends.


Quaker British  
/ ˈkweɪkə /

noun

  1. a member of the Religious Society of Friends, a Christian sect founded by George Fox about 1650, whose central belief is the doctrine of the Inner Light. Quakers reject sacraments, ritual, and formal ministry, hold meetings at which any member may speak, and have promoted many causes for social reform

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or designating the Religious Society of Friends or its religious beliefs or practices

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Quaker Cultural  
  1. A member of the Religious Society of Friends. The Quakers are a group of Christians (see also Christian) who use no scripture and believe in great simplicity in daily life and in worship. Their services consist mainly of silent meditation.


Discover More

Quakers have traditionally been committed to pacifism.

Pennsylvania was settled by a group of Quakers fleeing religious persecution.

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of Quaker

First recorded in 1590–1600; quake + -er 1


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

One divestiture option is its North American Quaker business: its volume declines have eaten into modest gains in snacks.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 17, 2026

And it’s odd to see Quaker listed so prominently as their doctrine is famously nonviolent and anti-war.

From Salon ● Jun. 6, 2026

Once known for its Quaker past and links to Richard Nixon, the city is coming to symbolize a new set of aspirations.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 1, 2026

Shell said it will retain its Pennzoil Quaker State, Rotella and other Shell lubricants brands.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 9, 2026

In November of 1792, for example, when another Quaker petition came forward under the sponsorship of Fisher Ames, William Loughton Smith referred his colleague to the earlier debate of 1790.

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

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