quarter

One of four equal parts of something.

• I ate a quarter of the pizza.
• Almost a quarter of the students walk to school.
• Cut the orange into quarters.

How to use it: a quarter of something (A quarter of the cake is missing.)

Similar words: fourth

Common phrases: a quarter of, a quarter mile, a quarter hour

A coin worth twenty-five cents in the United States or Canada.

• The machine takes a quarter.
• I found two quarters in my pocket.
• Can you give me four quarters for a dollar?

Similar words: quarter-dollar

Common phrases: a silver quarter, a quarter coin, insert a quarter

A period of three months, used especially when discussing business results.

• Sales rose in the first quarter.
• The company reported losses for two quarters.
• Will profits improve next quarter?

Similar words: three-month period

Common phrases: first quarter, fourth quarter, next quarter

One of the four periods of play in some sports, such as basketball or American football.

• We scored in the first quarter.
• The teams were level after three quarters.
• He made two baskets in the final quarter.

Similar words: period

Common phrases: first quarter, final quarter, fourth quarter

An area of a city, often known for particular people, buildings, or activities.

• We walked through the old quarter.
• The artists’ quarter has several small galleries.
• Which quarter of the city has the best restaurants?

Similar words: district, area, neighborhood

Common phrases: historic quarter, old quarter, residential quarter

Rooms or buildings where people live, especially soldiers or workers; usually used in the plural.

• The soldiers returned to their quarters.
• Staff quarters are behind the hotel.
• Our new quarters have two bedrooms and a small kitchen.

Similar words: accommodation, lodgings

Common phrases: living quarter, staff quarter, officers’ quarter

Equal to one of four equal parts of a whole.

• Wait a quarter hour before serving.
• The shop is a quarter mile away.
• Add a quarter teaspoon of salt.

Common phrases: a quarter hour, a quarter pound, a quarter note

Connected with one of the four three-month periods in a year.

• The rent falls due on quarter day.
• Their lease lists four quarter days each year.
• Payment arrived before the next quarter day.

Similar words: quarterly

Common phrases: quarter day, quarter days