What does quiz mean?
A quiz is a short test made up of questions, usually intended to check knowledge or understanding. The word also refers to a television or radio programme in which contestants answer questions, and to an informal, often unexpected series of questions known as a pop quiz. As a verb, to quiz someone means to question them closely, typically in an informal or demanding way. These meanings are related through the central idea of asking questions, although the noun commonly denotes a structured activity while the verb describes the act of questioning. In everyday use, quiz often conveys a sense of quick thinking and mild challenge. “Quiz show” refers to the established broadcast format, whereas “pop quiz” suggests a short test announced with little warning. The word is standard in both British and American English and is also used figuratively when someone is subjected to an intensive series of questions.
A short test consisting of questions, or a television or radio programme in which participants answer questions. The term can also denote an informal series of questions.
"Our final quiz covers everything studied this term."
The broadcast sense is commonly paired with “show,” while “pop quiz” denotes an unexpected or informal test.
To question someone closely or informally, especially by asking a series of questions.
"Journalists quizzed the witness about what she had seen."
Usually informal; it often implies that the questions are persistent, searching, or demanding.
The standard plural adds the suffix -zes to form quizzes.
"The children completed two quizzes before lunch."
A quiz can be a test, a television programme, a quick burst of questions, or even the act of giving someone a hard time.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quiz come from?
The word is first attested in the 19th century, but its precise origin is uncertain. It became established in the sense of a test or set of questions and was later extended to refer to broadcast competitions and the act of questioning someone closely.
Related word forms
How quiz is actually used
As a verb, the word is informal and often suggests persistent or probing questioning. In British English it can also be used in contexts that sound more severe than intended, although the term remains broadly established.
Easily confused with quiz
A quiz is a set of questions, whereas a quire is a quantity of paper, traditionally twenty-four or twenty-five sheets.