quartet

[ kwawr-tet ]

noun

1. any group of four persons or things.
2. an organized group of four singers or players.
3. a musical composition for four voices or instruments.

quartet

/ kwɔːˈtɛt /

noun

1. a group of four singers or instrumentalists or a piece of music composed for such a group See string quartet
2. any group of four

   a quartet of fast bowlers

quartet

1. A group of four musicians or singers; also, a piece of music for four instruments or voices.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartet¹

1765–75; < Italian quartetto, diminutive of quarto < Latin quartus fourth

Word History and Origins

Origin of quartet¹

C18: from Italian quartetto, diminutive of quarto fourth

Example Sentences

Even when the Australian punk rock quartet recorded its charmingly raw debut EP, “Giddy Up,” in a single night and released it online in 2016, the initial 100 streams were reward enough.

From Los Angeles Times

Outside of U2, the Athens, Ga., quartet was the biggest rock band on the planet in the 1990s.

From Los Angeles Times

It could also be called a song cycle that employs ear-piercing rock and, for respite, a welcoming string quartet.

From Los Angeles Times

The quartet set the tone from the outset in the final, building a formidable lead and reeling in their German rivals in Ballerup, Denmark.

From BBC

USC’s offensive line has gone through its share of growing pains, while its quartet of sophomore receivers, all of whom were expected to step up, have been inconsistent.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assemblage
• band
• cast
• choir
• chorus
• orchestra
• quintet
• sextet
• trio
• troupe