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

Can you ace the quiz and beat the average?

From Slate

The quiz may require you to turn on cookies in your browser for it to function properly.

From Slate

At the end of the quiz, you’ll be able to compare your score with that of the average contestant, and Slate Plus members can see how they stack up on our leaderboard.

From Slate

At the end of the quiz, you’ll be able to compare your score with that of the average contestant, and Slate Plus members can see how they stack up on our leaderboard.

From Slate

Can you ace the quiz and beat the average?

From Slate

Related Words

• grill
• inquire
• interrogate
• investigate
• query