What does square mean?
A square is a four-sided geometric figure whose sides are equal in length and whose corners are right angles. Beyond geometry, the word commonly names an open public space in a town or city, such as a town square or market square, where people gather and surrounding buildings form a roughly square enclosure. As a verb, to square something means to make it square, level, or properly aligned, while squaring a person or issue can mean confronting it directly or making an attitude more uncompromising. As an adjective, square describes both physical shape and, figuratively, a fair, direct, or conventional approach. The adverb squarely is used for exactness, directness, or full alignment, as in a statement that squarely rejects an accusation. Together, these meanings make square unusually useful in both literal and figurative language.
A geometric shape with four equal sides and four right angles; an open public space in a town or city; or a unit of area equal to one unit on each side of a square.
"The children raced around the village square."
To make something square, level, or properly aligned; to confront or settle an issue directly; or to make an attitude or agreement more uncompromising.
"The manager squared the account with the supplier."
Having the shape or arrangement of a square; direct, fair, conventional, or uncompromising in outlook or conduct.
"They reached a square agreement after several hours of discussion."
Directly and without evasion; exactly or without discrepancy; or fully and squarely.
"The criticism was aimed squarely at the planning committee."
Used for geometric shapes, units of area, public open spaces, and groups or formations arranged in four rows or columns.
"The dancers formed squares at the centre of the stage."
A square is both a shape with four equal sides and a public gathering place, making it one of the most versatile words in English.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does square come from?
The word comes through Old French square from Latin quadratus, meaning “squared” or “four-sided.” The Latin root quadr- is related to quadrus, meaning “four,” and underlies words such as quadrangle, quadrant, and quadruple. Its development from a geometric description to the name of a public space reflects the long-standing practice of arranging civic spaces around buildings in a four-sided enclosure.
Related word forms
How square is actually used
The noun is widely used for both the geometric shape and a town or city centre. The adjective can mean square-shaped, but it can also mean direct, conventional, or uncompromising, as in a square deal. The adverb is commonly used in the senses of directly, exactly, or fully facing someone.
Easily confused with square
A square is a general term for an open urban area or a four-sided shape, whereas a plaza is specifically a paved public space, often with buildings or shops around it.
A square is a special type of rectangle whose four sides are equal and whose four angles are right angles.