Etymology From Middle English square, sqware, squyre; from Old French esquarre, esquerre, (modern French équerre), from Vulgar Latin *exquadra, from Latin ex- + quadro, from quadrus (compare English quad and quadra). Doublet of squad and squadra. Displaced Old English fēowerecge (fēower nominative + ecg accusative, as in "four-edged").
Geometry, Mathematics, Sciences A polygon with four straight sides of equal length and four right angles; an equilateral rectangle; a regular quadrilateral.
I took refuge in the square form and exhibited a picture which consisted of nothing more than a black square on a white field.1927, Kazimir Malevich, The Non-Objective World:
› Something characterized by a square, or…
2
A cell in a grid.
You may not move a piece to a square already occupied by one of your own pieces.
3
A square piece, part, or surface.
a square of glass
4
The front of a woman's dress over the bosom, usually worked or embroidered.
5
Canada, US A dessert cut into rectangular pieces, or a piece of such a dessert.
6
Media, Printing, Publishing A certain number of lines, forming a portion of a column, nearly square; used chiefly in reckoning the prices of advertisements in newspapers.
7
An L- or T-shaped tool used to place objects or draw lines at right angles.
There are so many uses for the square, in fact, that a new model will usually come complete with a booklet enumerating its applications.a. 2018, Bob Vila, “Carpenter squares”, in Bob Vila, archived from the original on 26 Jan 2008:
An open space or park, often in the center of a town, not necessarily square in shape, often containing trees, seating and other features pleasing to the eye.
The statue of Alexander the Seventh stands in the large square of the town.1705, J[oseph] Addison, Remarks on Several Parts of Italy, &c. in the Years 1701, 1702, 1703, London: […] Jacob Tonson, […], →OCLC:
You're not in Wisconsin, Dave. The big story isn't about a cow wandering into the town square.1995 October 10, NewsRadio, season 2, episode 3:
10
Often, In street names or addresses A street surrounding a public square or plaza.
11
Mathematics, Sciences The product of a number or quantity multiplied by itself; the second power of a number, value, term or expression.
64 is the square of 8.
12
Computing, Engineering, Mathematics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Sciences A pattern to be matched that consists of a subpattern repeated, such as "papa" or "wikiwiki".
Squares cannot be easily matched by regular expressions.
13
A body of troops drawn up in a square formation.
Military formation
he alone Dealt on lieutenantry, and no practice had In the brave squares of warc. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene xi]:
1818, quoted in Christopher Kelly, History of the French Revolution and of the Wars produced by that Memorable Event The French cavalry, in proof armour, repeatedly charged our squares, their cannon opening chasms; but the British infantry, though greatly diminished, were inflexible and impenetrable to the last.
2 more examples
The sand of the desert is sodden red,— Red with the wreck of a square that broke;— The Gatling's jammed and the Colonel dead, And the regiment blind with dust and smoke.1897, Henry Newbolt, Vitae Lampada:
After disastrous attempts to break the Russian squares, during which, Longworth recounts, ‘the best and the bravest of the warriors fell victim to their own rashness’, the Circassians likewise changed their tactics.1990, Peter Hopkirk, The Great Game, Folio Society, published 2010, page 144:
14
Dated A socially conventional or conservative person; a person who has little or no interest in the latest fads or trends.
Why do you always wear a tie? Don't be such a square!
Good looks are important, but good looks don't hold if he's a square.1949 March 11, “R.S.V.P.”, in Courier, volume xv, number 9, Harvey, IL: Thornton Junior College, page 3:
2 more examples
She said: Wow! What a square! Don't you dig the scene? / Daddy Cool's playing his piano machine!1957, Frank Slay, Bob Crewe, “Daddy Cool”, performed by The Rays:
The sad sack was a sitting on a block of stone Way over in the corner weepin' all alone. The warden said, hey, buddy, don't you be no square If you can't find a partner, use a wooden chair.1957, “Jailhouse Rock”, Elvis Presley (music):
Ball games, Cricket, Games, Hobbies, Lifestyle, Sports The central area of a cricket field, with one or more pitches of which only one is used at a time.
An ideal playing area is roughly circular in shape with a central area, the cricket square, measuring 27.44 metres by 27.44 metres and boundaries 45.75 metres from the sides of the square.
17
Business, Real estate A unit of measurement of area, equal to a 10 foot by 10 foot square, i.e. 100 square feet or roughly 9.3 square metres. Used in real estate for the size of a house or its rooms, though progressively being replaced by square metres in metric countries such as Australia.
2006, Macquarie Bank (Australia), press release Macquarie releases Real Estate Market Outlook 2006 - "The World Squared", 21 June 2006 http://www.macquarie.com.au/au/about_macquarie/media_centre/20060621.htm Just as the basic unit of real estate measurement across the world is the square
2007, Your Estate advertisement for Grindelwald Tasmania http://www.yourestate.com.au/property_12753.php The house is very large and open and boasts 39 squares of living space plus over 13 squares of decking area on 3 sides and 17 squares of garage and workshop downstairs.
18
Business, Construction, Manufacturing, Roofing A unit used in measuring roof area equivalent to 100 square feet (9.29 m²) of roof area. The materials for roofing jobs are often billed by the square in the United States.
19
Academia, Scholarly, Sciences A mortarboard.
20
US, Abbreviation, Colloquial, Ellipsis Ellipsis of square meal.
Even when times were tough, we got three squares a day.
21
Archaic Exact proportion; justness of workmanship and conduct; regularity; rule.
1594-1597, Richard Hooker, Of the Lawes of Ecclesiastical Politie They of Galatia [were] much more out of square.
I have not kept my square.c. 1606–1607 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Anthonie and Cleopatra”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene iii]:
22
The relation of harmony, or exact agreement; equality; level.
We live not on the square with such as these.1693, Decimus Junius Juvenalis, John Dryden, transl., “[The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis.] The Third Satyr”, in The Satires of Decimus Junius Juvenalis. Translated into English Verse. […] Together with the Satires of Aulus Persius Flaccus. […], London: […] Jacob Tonson […], →OCLC:
23
Astrology, Human sciences, Mysticism, Philosophy, Sciences The position of planets distant ninety degrees from each other; a quadrate.
24
Dated The act of squaring, or quarrelling; a quarrel.
She wanna talk about feelings But I don't believe in love Just give me your square2019 July 24, “No Feelings”, Quezgo (lyrics)Link Up TV, 0:14–0:19:
I don’t really care about them man there Tell the bad b “just swing your square”2021 September 29, “Bars At The Sesh [S3.E7]”, #D15 Trigz (lyrics)Dearfxch TV, 1:05–1:08:
1 more example
Get on your knees and suck this dick Get on your knees and slop this quick Bro knows I could never put trust in a bitch (Never) Me and Tz like Lilo ’n Stitch So don’t hesitate to swing me your shit Yeah, swing your square2021 November 18, “I Love to Scam”, Tankz (lyrics), 2:01–2:10:
Etymology From Middle English square, sqware, squyre; from Old French esquarre, esquerre, (modern French équerre), from Vulgar Latin *exquadra, from Latin ex- + quadro, from quadrus (compare English quad and quadra). Doublet of squad and squadra. Displaced Old English fēowerecge (fēower nominative + ecg accusative, as in "four-edged").
The huge square box, parquet-floored and high-ceilinged, had been arranged to display a suite of bedroom furniture designed and made in the halcyon days of the last quarter of the nineteenth century, […].1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 1, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
2
Forming a right angle (90°).
a square corner
Take care to make the cut completely square to the edges of the wire to give a good butt join for the ends of the wire.2017, Julia Rai, Making Metal Clay Jewellery:
1 more example
A September video from the TikTok user syrianpsycho, who promotes softmaxxing to his 1.2 million followers, bemoans the experience of going to restaurant while “mewing” (a technique that involves placing the tongue on the roof of the mouth, which Looksmaxxers believe makes the jaw grow squarer and stronger) and “starvemaxxing” (the Looksmaxxers’ term for extreme fasting).2023 November 6, Joseph Bernstein, “Young Men Seek Answers to an Age-Old Question: How to Be Hot”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 04 Jan 2024:
3
Forming right angles in all planes as intended; not racked or leaning.
Of box-shaped objects such as buildings or metal frames
The foundation has to be level and the framing has to be square.
The stacks had to be neat and square or the old guy grumbled and insisted on getting it just so.2019, Bruce W. Herdman, Ozarks Lite:
4
Nautical, Transport Forming right angles with the mast or the keel, and parallel to the horizon; said of the yards of a square-rigged vessel when they are so braced.
5
Used in the names of units of area formed by multiplying a unit of length by itself.
A floor that measures 4 feet square has an area of 16 square feet.
square mile
1 more example
It is not permissible to use abbreviations for unit symbols or unit names, such as sec (for either s or second), sq. mm (for either mm² or square millimetre), cc (for either cm³ or cubic centimetre), or mps (for either m/s or metre per second).2025 August 23, “The International System of Units (SI)”, in Bureau International des Poids et Mesures, archived from the original on 17 Sep 2025, page 147:
6
Honest; straightforward; fair.
I'm just looking for a square deal on my car repair.
square dealing
3 more examples
Why, you would not be boosing till lightman's in a square crib like mine, as if you were in a flash panny?1828, Edward Bulwer Lytton Baron Lytton, Pelham, Or, Adventures of a Gentleman:
I believe you're a good, square man1900 [1878], Allan Pinkerton, Criminal Reminiscences and Detective Sketches, New York: G. W. Dillingham, page 29:
I am not very good at analysing things, but I felt that she talked a little uncomfortably and with a suspicion of effort, smiled rather conventionally, and was obviously glad to go. These things seem trifling enough to repeat, but I had throughout the faint feeling that everything was not square.1908, Perceval Landon, Thurnley Abbey:
7
Satisfied; comfortable with; not experiencing any conflict.
By the confident tone in her voice, you can tell she is square with that.2007, Lauren Heaton, Holly Bollinger, Catherine Lee Phillips, Susan Gartner, Women of the Harvest, page 63:
" […] I will never act on it, but if you're satisfied with the way things are then I am, too. […] So, are we square?”2009, Ramona Holliday, Winter Murders:
8
Even; tied
to make or leave the accounts square
The sides were square at the end of the half.
4 more examples
The teams were square while at even strength. have to play better than even if we want to win games." said Montreal goalie Jose Theodore2000 December 16, “Islanders, Devils Make It Tough For Canadian Teams”, in Bryan Times:
But the Jays were square again by the end of the inning, as Myers hit a 2-and-0 pitch into the left-center field seats2003 April 9, “Lowe Struggles Again In Sox Setback”, in Record-Journal:
The sides were square to the 14th hole when Goosen took birdie,2003 November 24, “Els's mates get better with time”, in The Age, Melbourne, Vic.:
In each of the last three afternoon foursomes, the Americans were square through 15, but could only come in with two halves and a loss.2006 September 23, Jim McCabe, “As usual, Americans trailing after first day”, in The Columbus Dispatch:
It may be prison, but at least I'm getting three square meals a day.
By Heaven, square eaters. More meat, I say.c. 1613 (first performance), John Fletcher, “The Tragedie of Bonduca”, in Comedies and Tragedies […], London: […] Humphrey Robinson, […], and for Humphrey Moseley […], published 1647, →OCLC, Act II, scene iii:
4 more examples
It is obvious two o'clock will arrive in about five and a half hours from now, and I presume every gentleman in the House would like to get a square breakfast.1879, United States. Congress, Congressional Record, Volume 9, page 1594:
If some of you who read this paragraph would quit scheming and get down to honest, square effort this year, your creditors would get their due and your families would be better kept.1899 February, “Stray Shots From Solomon”, in Shoe and Leather Journal, volume 12, number 2, page 51:
"Sarah," said her grandmother. "You should eat a good square meal."1986, Jan Irving, Robin Currie, Mudluscious, page 75:
I said that because I didn't want any knives involved, and if Wizzie agreed to a square go now, with half the school listening, she couldn't go back on it.2012, Cathy MacPhail, Worse Than Boys:
12
Having a shape broad for the height, with angular rather than curving outlines.
a man of a square frame
13
Automotive, Transport, Vehicles Of an internal combustion engine design, in which the diameter of the piston is similar, roughly, approximately, equal to its stroke distance.
Etymology From Middle English square, sqware, squyre; from Old French esquarre, esquerre, (modern French équerre), from Vulgar Latin *exquadra, from Latin ex- + quadro, from quadrus (compare English quad and quadra). Doublet of squad and squadra. Displaced Old English fēowerecge (fēower nominative + ecg accusative, as in "four-edged").
1
Directly.
Staash tipped up the rim of his hat and looked me square in the eyes as the cigarette dangled from his lips.2012, Allan A. Zarbock, Nobody, page 211:
square
verb
Etymology From Middle English square, sqware, squyre; from Old French esquarre, esquerre, (modern French équerre), from Vulgar Latin *exquadra, from Latin ex- + quadro, from quadrus (compare English quad and quadra). Doublet of squad and squadra. Displaced Old English fēowerecge (fēower nominative + ecg accusative, as in "four-edged").
Hobbies, Lifestyle, Rowing, Sports To rotate the oars so that they are perpendicular to the water.
4
Ambitransitive To resolve or reconcile; to suit or fit.
John can square this question up for us.
These results just don't square with what we expected.
1 more example
[…] the process theist may not regard the killing of non-human animals for food or other reasons as generally acceptable. Call the process thinker who regards the killing of non-human animals for food as (usually) morally wrong a zoophile. Even if the zoophile regards human beings as more capable of experience and insight than another animals, and as therefore more valuable than other animals, she may regard non-human animals as moral patients. She may well not regard predatory animals as full moral agents; she will then have no reason to see their killing of other animals for food as itself morally wrong, because predators are not themselves subject to moral assessments. But she may still find it difficult to square God's encouragement of predation with an attractive account of divine goodness.2006, Gary Chartier, “Non-Human Animals and Process Theodicy”, in Religious Studies, volume 41, number 1, page 10:
5
To adjust or adapt so as to bring into harmony with something.
I cannot square the results of the experiment with my hypothesis.
to square our actions by the opinions of others
1 more example
Square my trial To my proportioned strength.1634 October 9 (first performance; Gregorian calendar), [John Milton], edited by H[enry] Lawes, A Maske Presented at Ludlow Castle, 1634: […] [Comus], London: […] [Augustine Matthews] for Hvmphrey Robinson, […], published 1637, →OCLC; reprinted as Comus: […] (Dodd, Mead & Company’s Facsimile Reprints of Rare Books; Literature Series; no. I), New York, N.Y.: Dodd, Mead & Company, 1903, →OCLC:
6
Mathematics, Sciences Of a value, term, or expression, to multiply by itself; to raise to the second power.
7
Geometry, Mathematics, Sciences To draw, with a pair of compasses and a straightedge only, a square with the same area as.
'Sounds fine,' said Bond. 'I've talked to M and he'll square Washington if there's any trouble. Look after yourself too,' he added.1954, Ian Fleming, “True or False?”, in Live and Let Die, London: Pan Books, published 1957, page 90:
First, former Toffee Mikel Arteta sent Walcott racing clear but instead of shooting he squared towards Ramsey, who was foiled by Tony Hibbert.2011 December 10, David Ornstein, “Arsenal 1 - 0 Everton”, in BBC Sport:
To accord or agree exactly; to be consistent with; to suit; to fit.
No works shall find acceptance […] that square not truly with the Scripture plan.1782, William Cowper, Charity:
13
Obsolete To go to opposite sides; to take an attitude of offense or defense, or of defiance; to quarrel.
Are you such fools / To square for this?c. 1588–1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Lamentable Tragedy of Titus Andronicus”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act II, scene i]:
14
To take a boxing attitude; often with up or off.
There we stood, well squared up before it, shoulder to shoulder, and foot to foot, with our hands behind us, not budging an inch.1860 December – 1861 August, Charles Dickens, Great Expectations […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: Chapman and Hall, […], published October 1861, →OCLC:
15
To form with four sides and four right angles.
A stately pallace built of squared bricke, Which cunningly was without morter laid1590, Edmund Spenser, “Book I, Canto IV”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC:
16
To form with right angles and straight lines, or flat surfaces.
to square mason's work
Everything on his writing desk was squared off: blotter, paper knife, pen rack.2002, William Boyd, Any Human Heart:
17
To compare with, or reduce to, any given measure or standard.
to square the general sex By Cressid's rulec. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene ii]:
the icy Goat, the Crab that square the Scales1697, Thomas Creech, The five books of M. Manilius containing a system of the ancient astronomy and astrology, done into English verse: