What does quartet mean?
A quartet is a group of four people or performers, especially musicians. The word is most familiar in music, where it can denote either an ensemble of four instrumentalists or singers or a composition arranged for four performers. A string quartet, for example, traditionally consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello. More broadly, “quartet” can refer to any group of four people, as in a quartet of singers or a quartet of friends, although “group of four” is often the more neutral wording in everyday contexts. The word also appears in combinations such as “jazz quartet” and is frequently used to emphasize the number and collaborative character of a small group. Its associations with chamber music and balanced ensemble work give it a refined, orderly, and collaborative tone, while its straightforward numeral meaning keeps it useful in both formal and informal speech.
nounA group or musical ensemble consisting of four people or instruments. The term can also refer to a musical composition written for four performers.
- A group or musical ensemble consisting of four people or instruments.
- A musical composition written for four performers.
"The string quartet performed a new composition at the concert."
"A quartet of musicians performed in the town square."
"She composed a quartet for two violins, a viola, and a cello."
The usual plural is “quartets.” The alternate spelling “quartette” also has the plural “quartettes.”
"Several quartets performed at the festival."
Quartet belongs to a family of words built on Latin quartus, meaning “fourth,” the same numeral root behind quarter and quaternary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of quartet
The word entered English from French quartette, which was borrowed from Italian quartetto. Italian quartetto derives from Latin quartus, meaning “fourth” or “four,” and ultimately reflects the same Indo-European numeral tradition seen in English “four.” Related English words include “quarter,” “quartic,” “quarto,” and “quaternary.”
Related word forms
How quartet is actually used
In general use, quartet usually suggests a group of four people, often with an artistic or musical association. In music, it may refer either to the performers or to the composition. The spelling “quartette” is an established variant that is especially common in classical-music contexts.
Easily confused with quartet
A quartet is a group of four performers, whereas a quarter is one-fourth of something or a period of fifteen minutes.
Quartette is a variant spelling of quartet, not a different word.