quiz

1 of 2

noun

plural quizzes
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
The format combines quiz questions with physical action as contestants position themselves to catch falling balls for cash prizes. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 June 2025 Test your knowledge of the week in news, and take last week’s quiz here. Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 21 June 2025
Verb
The 75-minute chat covered nearly all aspects of filmmaking as Schreier got quizzed on stunts (yes, that one), camera angles, visual effects, color grading, music selections, sound design, post-production, casting, editing and more. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 24 June 2025 Following Trump's lead, Republicans are likely to quiz Powell on what the hold-up is for easier monetary policy, while liberal Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) has been urging Powell to cut as well. Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 June 2025 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 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

quiz

1 of 2 noun
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

More from Merriam-Webster on quiz

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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