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quatrefoil

noun

qua·​tre·​foil ˈka-tər-ˌfȯi(-ə)l How to pronounce quatrefoil (audio)
ˈka-trə-
1
: a conventionalized representation of a flower with four petals or of a leaf with four leaflets
2
: a 4-lobed foliation in architecture

Illustration of quatrefoil

Illustration of quatrefoil
  • quatrefoil 2

Examples of quatrefoil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Additional impressive features include the quatrefoil pool, as well as the resort-like gardens and fountains spread out across the property. — Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026 The gala’s emcee, Brian Bernasconi, stood out among the crowd for his black-and-white suit jacket from Hammer and Lewis Clothiers, patterned with large quatrefoils. — Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 12 Apr. 2026 Think black-and-white chevron trellis and quatrefoil patterns. — Cori Sears, The Spruce, 3 Apr. 2026 Drink coasters decorated with quatrefoils, which form part of the city’s logo and are found throughout the Mission San José church. — Molly Smith, San Antonio Express-News, 2 Feb. 2026 The brooch was eventually fastened to an even more extravagant necklace, featuring 16 Colombian emeralds set between diamond quatrefoils. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2025 Florals are dominant, and a quatrefoil symbol, seen in the original stone- and woodwork, was used in textiles and carpentry as well as the hotel’s new logo. — Rachel Gallaher, Robb Report, 20 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English quaterfoil set of four leaves, from Anglo-French quatre + Middle English -foil (as in trefoil)

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quatrefoil was in the 15th century

Rhymes for quatrefoil

See All Rhymes for quatrefoil

Browse Nearby Words

quatreble
quatrefoil
quatrible
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quatrefoil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quatrefoil. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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