quartile

American  

[kwawr-tahyl, -til] / ˈkwɔr taɪl, -tɪl /

noun

1. Statistics. (in a frequency distribution) one of the values of a variable that divides the distribution of the variable into four groups having equal frequencies.

2. Astrology. a quartile aspect.

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adjective

1. Astrology. of or relating to the aspect of two heavenly bodies when their longitudes differ by 90°.

quartile British  

/ ˈkwɔːtaɪl /

noun

1. statistics one of three actual or notional values of a variable dividing its distribution into four groups with equal frequencies

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adjective

1. statistics denoting or relating to a quartile

2. astrology denoting an aspect of two heavenly bodies when their longitudes differ by 90°

3. a quarter part of a distribution

Etymology

Origin of quartile

1500–10; < Medieval Latin quartīlis, equivalent to Latin quart ( us ) fourth + -īlis -ile

Example Sentences

Notice that the stock market’s average subsequent return in the lowest quartile is higher than for either the second or third quartiles.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 13, 2026

Myers said Chesney would be given financial support that ranked in the top third or top quartile of Big Ten teams.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 11, 2025

At funds worth $10 billion or more, principals in the top pay quartile made at least $955,000 in base and bonus in 2023, according to an annual survey by recruiter Heidrick & Struggles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

Humana expects to return to the top quartile for 2027 star ratings, which would boost its 2028 reimbursements, analysts at Oppenheimer & Co said.

From Barron's • Oct. 3, 2025

Saturn, that hath his location here, governing these expected treasures, now beholds the seventh house of the figure I have just erected with a quartile aspect.

From Traditions of Lancashire, Volume 2 by Roby, John