quiz

[ kwiz ]

noun

, plural quiz·zes.

1. an informal test or examination of a student or class.
2. a questioning.
3. a practical joke; a hoax.
4. Chiefly British. an eccentric, often odd-looking person.

verb (used with object)

, quizzed, quiz·zing.

1. to examine or test (a student or class) informally by questions.
2. to question closely:

   The police quizzed several suspects.

3. Chiefly British. to make fun of; ridicule; mock; chaff.

quiz

/ kwɪz /

noun

1. 1. an entertainment in which the general or specific knowledge of the players is tested by a series of questions, esp as a radio or television programme
   2. ( as modifier )

      a quiz programme

2. any set of quick questions designed to test knowledge
3. an investigation by close questioning; interrogation
4. obsolete.
   a practical joke; hoax
5. obsolete.
   a puzzling or eccentric individual
6. obsolete.
   a person who habitually looks quizzically at others, esp through a small monocle

verb

1. to investigate by close questioning; interrogate
2. informal.
   to test or examine the knowledge of (a student or class)
3. obsolete.
   tr to look quizzically at, esp through a small monocle

Derived Forms

• ˈquizzer, noun

Other Words From

• quizza·ble adjective
• quizzer noun
• un·quizza·ble adjective
• un·quizzed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiz¹

1775–85 in sense “odd person”; 1840–50 quiz fordef 1; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of quiz¹

C18: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

The Gambling Commission quizzed 3,869 young people in England, Scotland and Wales.

From BBC

Joshua didn’t expect an “L.A. accent” pop quiz when he signed on to Zoom for an interview from Seoul.

From Los Angeles Times

The show, hosted by comedian Michael McIntyre, involves three contestants answering quiz questions with the help seven celebrities sat around a large wheel.

From BBC

Ms Morgan quizzed the MP on ways to change the housing market to stop businesses buying up housing stock.

From BBC

It was common for users to take a personality quiz or fill out a questionnaire in order to meet matches.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• grill
• inquire
• interrogate
• investigate
• query