What does quart mean?
A quart is a unit for measuring liquids and is equal to one quarter of a gallon. In the United States, where the gallon is based on the older English liquid measure, a quart is approximately 946 millilitres. The traditional British imperial quart is larger, at approximately 1.14 litres. The word is commonly used both for the quantity itself and for a container of that size, as in “a quart of milk” or “an empty quart bottle.” It is especially useful in recipes, retail descriptions, and household contexts. Although its basic meaning is straightforward, the word can indicate which measurement system is intended: a US quart and an imperial quart are not the same amount. The word ultimately comes from Latin quartus, meaning “fourth,” reflecting the fact that a gallon contains four quarts.
nounA unit of liquid measure equal to one quarter of a gallon, varying in size between the US and British imperial systems. The word can also refer to a container or bottle holding that amount.
- A unit of liquid measure equal to one quarter of a gallon.
- A container, bottle, or other receptacle holding one quart.
"She bought a quart of milk and a loaf of bread for dinner."
"The recipe calls for a quart of tomatoes."
"He poured the remaining beer into a glass quart."
Use the plural when referring to multiple units or containers.
"They packed several quarts of water for the trip."
A quart is literally a fourth of a gallon: its name preserves the simple idea of dividing a larger quantity into four equal parts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quart come from?
The word entered English in the late Middle English period, borrowing French quart, from Latin quartus, meaning “fourth.” The underlying idea is transparent: a quart is one fourth of a gallon. The same Latin root also lies behind quarter, fourth, quartile, and quaternary.
How quart is actually used
The US quart is about 946 millilitres, while the traditional British imperial quart is about 1.14 litres. In American English, quart generally refers to the US measure; in Britain, it commonly refers to the imperial measure.
Easily confused with quart
A quart is a specific unit of liquid measure equal to one quarter of a gallon, whereas a quarter can refer to any one-fourth portion or to a twenty-five-cent coin.