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

Peter soon develops a relationship with resort concierge Rachel (Mila Kunis), and the ensuing love quadrangle complicates everyone's lives. —Kevin Jacobsen, EW.com, 17 Oct. 2023

Queen Elizabeth, then 26, watched the military march in the quadrangle with then-Prince Charles, then 3 ½, and Prince Philip by her side. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 7 Nov. 2023

The President was then invited to inspect the guard of honor before watching the military file out of the quadrangle. —Victoria Murphy, Town & Country, 10 July 2023

From Cambridge, Charlestown, and remotely The classic spot from which to watch the fireworks in Cambridge is the grassy quadrangle at M.I.T., where a giant screen live-streams the Boston Pops concert. —Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 July 2023

Charles welcomed Biden in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle, where he was saluted by the Welsh Guards. —William Booth, Washington Post, 10 July 2023

At the Henley Literary Festival in 2016, royal biographer Penny Junor apparently discussed the royal love quadrangle. —Amy MacKelden, Harper's BAZAAR, 15 Nov. 2020

As keeper of the schools at the Royal Academy from 1804 until his death, in 1825, Fuseli enjoyed the perk of an apartment overlooking the grand quadrangle of Somerset House, the palatial Neoclassical building on the Strand that was then the institution’s home. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2023

Biden stood next to the queen in the sunshine, wearing his aviator sunglasses, before inspecting the troops in the quadrangle of Windsor Castle, last seen on television during the somber funeral ceremony of her husband, Prince Philip, who died aged 99 in April. —NBC News, 13 June 2021

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