Fluently
Log in
How to Say Quarter: Pronunciation, Definition
Explore how to pronounce quarter, its meaning, origin, alternatives and common phrases for everyday language clarity.



How to Pronounce Quarter
How to Pronounce Quarter
First sound "kw": Start with the sound "kw", which is like a quick "k" and "w" together. Think of the beginning of the word "quick" or "queen".
Middle sound "or": Next, say "or" similar to the word "or" in "fork". Your mouth stays open a little, and the sound flows evenly.
Ending "ter": Finish with a soft "ter". It sounds similar to the ending in "water" (in many accents, the "t" is slightly softened). Be sure not to hold the sound too long.
Putting it together: Slowly blend the parts: "kw" + "or" + "ter" makes "quarter".
Practice tips:
Repeat slowly: Say each part a few times, then join them together gradually.
Listen closely: Hearing native speakers say "quarter" can help you copy the rhythm and flow.
Increase speed: Once you feel comfortable with the sounds, speed up until the word sounds natural.
Practice with
AI tutor
Speaking practice on real-life topics: job interviews, meetings, sales, pitch calls—whatever you need

What Does Quarter Mean
Definition and Basic Meaning
The word quarter means one part of something that is divided into four equal parts. It is used in many ways when talking about time, money, or even parts of a town.
Different Uses of Quarter
One Fourth: If you divide something into four equal pieces, one of those pieces is called a quarter. For example, one quarter of a cake means one piece that is one fourth of the whole cake.
Money: In the United States, a quarter is a coin that is worth 25 cents. It is one fourth of a dollar.
Time Period: The word quarter can also refer to periods of time. For example, a year has four quarters (first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, and fourth quarter). Each quarter is three months long.
Area in a City: Sometimes quarter is used to refer to a specific part of a city. For example, the "French Quarter" is a well-known neighborhood in New Orleans.
Example Sentences
One Fourth: "I ate a quarter of the pizza."
Money: "I found a quarter on the sidewalk."
Time Period: "The company reports its earnings every quarter."
Area in a City: "We explored the historical quarter of the city."
This explanation should give you a clear idea of what quarter means in English. It is a simple way to describe a part that is one fourth of a whole, whether that whole is a total amount of money, a whole period of time, or a complete item divided into four parts.
Definition and Basic Meaning
The word quarter means one part of something that is divided into four equal parts. It is used in many ways when talking about time, money, or even parts of a town.
Different Uses of Quarter
One Fourth: If you divide something into four equal pieces, one of those pieces is called a quarter. For example, one quarter of a cake means one piece that is one fourth of the whole cake.
Money: In the United States, a quarter is a coin that is worth 25 cents. It is one fourth of a dollar.
Time Period: The word quarter can also refer to periods of time. For example, a year has four quarters (first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, and fourth quarter). Each quarter is three months long.
Area in a City: Sometimes quarter is used to refer to a specific part of a city. For example, the "French Quarter" is a well-known neighborhood in New Orleans.
Example Sentences
One Fourth: "I ate a quarter of the pizza."
Money: "I found a quarter on the sidewalk."
Time Period: "The company reports its earnings every quarter."
Area in a City: "We explored the historical quarter of the city."
This explanation should give you a clear idea of what quarter means in English. It is a simple way to describe a part that is one fourth of a whole, whether that whole is a total amount of money, a whole period of time, or a complete item divided into four parts.
The Origin of the Word Quarter
The Origin of the Word Quarter
The word quarter has a long journey. Today, it means one fourth or a small part of a whole. Its story begins in ancient times and goes through different languages before reaching English.
Latin Roots: The word comes from the Latin word "quartus," which means "fourth." Latin was a very important language long ago and helped shape many modern words.
Old French Influence: Latin words often changed when they moved into other languages. In Old French, "quartus" became "quart." French was a strong influence on English during medieval times.
Adoption in English: English speakers adopted the word from French. Over time, "quart" evolved into "quarter," keeping the idea of one fourth of something. It was used in everyday life, such as in measuring time (a quarter of an hour) or money (quarter coins).
Modern Usage: Today, the word is used in many ways. It can refer to a fraction, a part of a whole, or even parts of a city (like a neighborhood quarter). The original meaning has stayed clear over many centuries.
This clear history shows how quarter came from Latin, passed through French, and grew into the word we use every day. Every step in its journey helped keep its meaning simple and strong.
The Origin of the Word Quarter
The word quarter has a long journey. Today, it means one fourth or a small part of a whole. Its story begins in ancient times and goes through different languages before reaching English.
Latin Roots: The word comes from the Latin word "quartus," which means "fourth." Latin was a very important language long ago and helped shape many modern words.
Old French Influence: Latin words often changed when they moved into other languages. In Old French, "quartus" became "quart." French was a strong influence on English during medieval times.
Adoption in English: English speakers adopted the word from French. Over time, "quart" evolved into "quarter," keeping the idea of one fourth of something. It was used in everyday life, such as in measuring time (a quarter of an hour) or money (quarter coins).
Modern Usage: Today, the word is used in many ways. It can refer to a fraction, a part of a whole, or even parts of a city (like a neighborhood quarter). The original meaning has stayed clear over many centuries.
This clear history shows how quarter came from Latin, passed through French, and grew into the word we use every day. Every step in its journey helped keep its meaning simple and strong.
What to Say Instead Quarter
Fourth
Similarity: Indicates one part out of four equal parts, just like a quarter of a whole.
Context of use: "She ate one fourth of the pie during dinner."
Fourth
Similarity: Indicates one part out of four equal parts, just like a quarter of a whole.
Context of use: "She ate one fourth of the pie during dinner."
Section
Similarity: Refers to a distinct part of a larger whole, similar to how a quarter divides an area.
Context of use: "The city is divided into several sections, with the southern section known for its parks."
Section
Similarity: Refers to a distinct part of a larger whole, similar to how a quarter divides an area.
Context of use: "The city is divided into several sections, with the southern section known for its parks."
Part
Similarity: Means a piece or portion of something that can be equally divided, akin to a quarter.
Context of use: "Each part of the plan must be carefully evaluated."
Part
Similarity: Means a piece or portion of something that can be equally divided, akin to a quarter.
Context of use: "Each part of the plan must be carefully evaluated."
Division
Similarity: Conveys the idea of splitting something into equal segments, like splitting into four divisions.
Context of use: "The division of the estate was completed according to the will."
Division
Similarity: Conveys the idea of splitting something into equal segments, like splitting into four divisions.
Context of use: "The division of the estate was completed according to the will."
Segment
Similarity: Represents a portion cut from a whole, comparable to a quarter in certain arrangements.
Context of use: "The market was analyzed in segments, one of which represented roughly a quarter of the total sales."
Segment
Similarity: Represents a portion cut from a whole, comparable to a quarter in certain arrangements.
Context of use: "The market was analyzed in segments, one of which represented roughly a quarter of the total sales."
District
Similarity: Often used to refer to a specific area or zone within a city; in some cases, a city may be informally divided into quarters or districts.
Context of use: "He grew up in the historic district of the town, which is also known as the quarter."
District
Similarity: Often used to refer to a specific area or zone within a city; in some cases, a city may be informally divided into quarters or districts.
Context of use: "He grew up in the historic district of the town, which is also known as the quarter."
Common Phrases and Examples with Quarter
He spent a quarter of his money on a new book. Explanation: This sentence shows that 'quarter' means one-fourth of an amount.
He spent a quarter of his money on a new book. Explanation: This sentence shows that 'quarter' means one-fourth of an amount.
The basketball game takes place during the second quarter. Explanation: Here, 'quarter' refers to one of four time periods in a game.
The basketball game takes place during the second quarter. Explanation: Here, 'quarter' refers to one of four time periods in a game.
I visited the French Quarter when I went to New Orleans. Explanation: In this sentence, 'quarter' is used to name a special area or neighborhood in a city.
I visited the French Quarter when I went to New Orleans. Explanation: In this sentence, 'quarter' is used to name a special area or neighborhood in a city.
She served her prison sentence for a quarter of a year. Explanation: This sentence uses 'quarter' to mean a part of a year (three months).
She served her prison sentence for a quarter of a year. Explanation: This sentence uses 'quarter' to mean a part of a year (three months).
He lives in the artists’ quarter of the city. Explanation: Here, 'quarter' describes a district or area where many artists can be found.
He lives in the artists’ quarter of the city. Explanation: Here, 'quarter' describes a district or area where many artists can be found.
The train leaves at a quarter past seven. Explanation: In this sentence, 'a quarter past seven' means 15 minutes after seven o’clock.
The train leaves at a quarter past seven. Explanation: In this sentence, 'a quarter past seven' means 15 minutes after seven o’clock.

Get your
real English level
Make a quick 4-minute call
with our AI tutor
and get your
English score for FREE

Get your real English level
Make a quick 4-minute call with our AI tutor
and get your English score for FREE
© 2025 Fluently Inc.