plural quizzes
Synonyms of quiznext
1
: an eccentric person
2
3
: the act or action of quizzing
specifically : a short oral or written test

quiz

2 of 2

verb

quizzed; quizzing

transitive verb

1
: to make fun of : mock
2
: to look at inquisitively
3
: to question closely
quizzer noun

Examples of quiz in a Sentence

Noun The teacher gave us a quiz on the material we studied yesterday. always eager to put everything down, my boyfriend had to be a quiz and make fun of the actors and costumes in our local theater troupe's latest production Verb quickly quizzed her about the assignment before heading off to class hated the way those relatives would quiz me about my partner and our living arrangements
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.
Noun
Take the quiz here … LISTEN Tune in to explore common misconceptions about gun violence in America, the history of the Second Amendment, and why preventing homicides may require a different approach to public safety. — FOXNews.com, 20 Oct. 2026 Dorian Thornley, the proprietor of Westsider Rare and Used Books, on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, gives a basic literary-knowledge quiz to the young college graduates applying to work there, and has been appalled at the results. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026
Verb
Each version features the cast of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers audiences, who collectively quiz celebrities in an ask-anything interview format. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 During the assembly, students were also quizzed on topics including consent and relationship safety. — Kristie Keleshian, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quiz

Word History

Etymology

Noun

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1781, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1787, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quiz was circa 1781

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Quiz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quiz. Accessed 23 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

plural quizzes
1
: a person who mocks
2
: the act or action of quizzing
especially : a short oral or written test

quiz

2 of 2 verb
quizzed; quizzing
1
: to make fun of : mock
2
: to ask many questions
quizzer noun
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