plural squares
1
: a four-sided shape that is made up of four straight sides that are the same length and that has four right angles
The fabric is decorated with circles and squares.
Cut the brownies into squares.
—often + ofa square of tile/cloth
2
: any of the squares on a board for playing games (such as chess and checkers)
The board has red and black squares.
3
mathematics
: the number that results from multiplying a number by itself
The square of 2 [=2₂] is 4. [=2 x 2 = 4]
4
: an open area in a village, city, etc., where two or more streets meet
The bank is located at the main square.
the market/town square
5
somewhat old-fashioned, informal + disapproving
: someone who does not like or try unusual things that other people consider exciting, interesting, etc.
Don't be such a square. Let's try something different for a change.
6
technical
: a flat tool that is used to mark or check angles
a carpenter's square
7
chiefly US, informal
: square meal
I try to have three squares a day.
squarer; squarest
1
a
: shaped like a square : having four straight sides that are the same length and four right angles at each corner
The room is square.
a square box
b
: forming a right angle
The room has four square corners.
Make sure the post is square to the floor. [=make sure that there is a right angle where the post and the floor meet]
2
—used to describe a measurement that is produced by multiplying something's length and width
a tile measuring one square foot [=a tile that is one foot long and one foot wide]
a square inch/meter/mile
3
: shaped more like a right angle than a curve
a square jaw
square shoulders
Note: This sense of square often suggests strength and toughness.
4
somewhat old-fashioned
: honest and fair
a square deal
She is square in all her dealings.
5
somewhat old-fashioned, informal + disapproving
—used to describe someone who does not like or try unusual things that other people consider exciting, interesting, etc.
He's nice but he's kind of square.
squares; squared; squaring
1
: to make (something) square : to give (something) straight edges, flat surfaces, or sharp, even corners
The machine squares the wood into flat boards.
—often + offI still need to square off the end of the board.
2
mathematics
: to multiply (a number) by itself
If you square 3, you get 9.
—usually used as (be) squared3 squared is/equals 9. [=3 x 3 = 9]
3
: to pay money that is owed for (something)
We squared [=settled] our accounts.
—often + upIs this enough money to square up my part of the bill?
4
: to make the score of (something, such as a game or series) the same : tie
The goal squared the game 2-2.
Their win squares the series at three games apiece.
: in a direct way
She ran square [=directly, right] into me.
Look (at) me square in the eye and tell me you're not lying.
Cite this Entry
“Square.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/square. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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