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Definition quarter in British English

quarter noun

noun
/ˈkwɔː(r)tə(r)/
1

one of four equal parts of something

Example

Over a quarter of our income goes on food.

Example

Nearly three quarters of the children were ill.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

one of four periods of 15 minutes that an hour is divided into when you are telling the time. When the time is 15 minutes after the hour, British people always say quarter past the hour and American people usually say a quarter after the hour. When the time is 15 minutes before the hour, British people always say quarter to the hour and American people usually say a quarter of the hour

Example

They arrived at a quarter past three.

Synonyms and related words
1.2

one of four periods of three months that the year is divided into, especially when you are talking about financial accounts

Example

The company's profits fell in the third quarter.

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1.3

one of four periods that a game is divided into in some sports

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2

a part of a town where you find particular buildings, activities, or people

Example

the Chinese quarter of the city

Example

a house in the student quarter

Synonyms and related words
Example

Concern has been expressed in some quarters about this policy.

Example

He has won support from all quarters.

Example

I knew there would be a lot of trouble from that quarter.

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4

a unit for measuring weight, containing four ounces and equal to 0.113 kilograms

Example

Can you buy me a quarter of ham?

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5

a coin that is worth one quarter of an American or Canadian dollar, or 25 cents

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6

kind behaviour towards someone who you have defeated or someone who is under your authority

Example

Any man found breaking the rules would be given absolutely no quarter.

Synonyms and related words
Definition quarter in British English