What does quadruple mean?
A quadruple is something that consists of four elements, amounts to four times a given quantity, or grows to four times its former size. The word is most often used as an adjective before a noun, as in “a quadruple increase,” and as a verb when describing a dramatic multiplication of value, quantity, or scale. “The company quadrupled its workforce” means that the workforce became four times as large. As a noun, a quadruple can mean either a fourfold amount or a group of four, although this use is less common in everyday speech. The expression carries a strong suggestion of extraordinary growth because multiplication by four is substantial, so it is often chosen deliberately for emphasis. Quadruple can also describe four related parts or participants, but in that sense it is less frequent and somewhat formal. Overall, the word is useful for describing conspicuous expansion, whether literal, financial, or figurative.
Equal to four times a given amount or number; consisting of four people, things, or parts.
"The launch produced a quadruple increase in daily registrations."
The sense of four times as great is much more common than the sense of having four parts.
A fourfold amount, quantity, or increase; a group or arrangement of four.
"The proposal was adopted by a quadruple of the governing committee."
The group-of-four sense is relatively uncommon and can sound formal.
To increase to four times the previous amount or become four times as large.
"Subscriptions quadrupled during the first month."
Often used to emphasize rapid or unusually large growth.
Used when referring to multiple fourfold amounts, quantities, or increases; the singular form is more usual for the general concept.
"The two funds reported quadruples in membership."
From a fourfold increase to a four-legged creature, the same ancient numerical root links surprising corners of the language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quadruple come from?
The English word comes through French from Latin quadruplicare, “to make fourfold,” which was based on quadruplicatus, a fourfold form of the Latin numeral quadri-, meaning four. The related Latin quadruplus and quadruped- also expressed the idea of four and supplied cognates in several European languages. Modern English developed separate noun, adjective, and verb uses from this fourfold root.
Related word forms
How quadruple is actually used
The adjective and verb are common in British and American English. As a noun, the word is less frequent and may denote either a fourfold amount or a group of four; as a verb, it normally describes a dramatic increase to four times the previous figure.
Easily confused with quadruple
A quadruple has four elements or amounts to four times a given quantity, whereas a quadruped is an animal with four legs.