quadrangle

noun

quad·​ran·​gle ˈkwä-ˌdraŋ-gəl 

1

: quadrilateral

2

a

: a 4-sided enclosure especially when surrounded by buildings

b

: the buildings enclosing a quadrangle

3

: a tract of country represented by one of a series of map sheets

quadrangular

kwä-ˈdraŋ-gyə-lər 

adjective

Synonyms

• close
• court
• courtyard
• enclosure
• inclosure
• patio
• quad
• yard

Examples of quadrangle in a Sentence

since the weather was sunny, the convocation was held outside in the college's quadrangle

Recent Examples on the Web

Protesters occupied a quadrangle on campus for more than a week in April and May, before police moved in and dismantled their camp (USA TODAY was there). —Will Carless, USA TODAY, 17 Aug. 2024

Most notably, a modded 8.3-liter V-10 was shoehorned into an improbable quadrangle framed by four thin tires. —Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 5 July 2024

From Cambridge, Charlestown, and remotely The classic spot from which to watch the fireworks in Cambridge is the grassy quadrangle at MIT, where a giant screen live-streams the Boston Pops concert. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2024

The academic quadrangle must forever be a free and ordered space that values scholarship. —Dr. Edward C. Halperin, New York Daily News, 4 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin quadriangulum, from Latin, neuter of quadriangulus quadrangular, from quadri- + angulus angle

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

quadrangle

noun

quad·​ran·​gle ˈkwäd-ˌraŋ-gəl 

1

: quadrilateral entry 2

2

a

: a four-sided enclosure especially when surrounded by buildings

b

: the buildings enclosing a quadrangle

quadrangular

kwä-ˈdraŋ-gyə-lər 

adjective