square
square [skwâr] noun
Abbr. sq.
1. A plane figure having four equal sides.
2. Something having an equal-sided rectangular form: a square of cloth.
3. A T-shaped or L-shaped instrument for drawing or testing right angles.
4. Mathematics. The product obtained when a number or quantity is multiplied by itself.
5. Games. Any of the quadrilateral spaces on a board, as in chess.
6. a. An open, usually four-sided area at the intersection of two or more streets, often planted with grass and trees for use as a park. b. A rectangular space enclosed by streets and occupied by buildings; a block.
7. Slang. A person who is regarded as dull, rigidly conventional, and out of touch with current trends.
adjective
squarer, squarest
1. Having four equal sides and four right angles.
2. Forming a right angle.
3. a. Expressed in units measuring area: square feet. b. Having a specified length in each of two equal dimensions.
4. Nautical. Set at right angles to the mast and keel. Used of the yards of a square-rigged ship.
5. Approximately rectangular and equilateral in cross section: a square house.
6. Characterized by blocklike solidity or sturdiness.
7. Honest; direct: a square answer.
8. Just; equitable: a square deal.
9. Having been paid up; settled.
10. Sports. Even; tied.
11. Slang. Rigidly conventional; dull.
verb
squared, squaring, squares
verb, transitive
1. To cut to a square or rectangular shape.
2. To test for conformity to a desired plane, straight line, or right angle.
3. To mark into squares. Often used with off.
4. a. To bring into conformity or agreement: She could not square the request with her principles. b. To bring [oneself] into a better position or relation: He tried to square himself with his parents.
5. To set straight or at approximate right angles: square one's cap.
6. To bring into balance; settle: square a debt.
7. Sports. To even the score of: to square a game.
8. Mathematics. a. To raise [a number or quantity] to the second power. b. To find a square equal in area to [the area of a given figure].
9. Informal. To bribe or fix: a party in litigation that tried to square the judge.
verb, intransitive
1. Mathematics. To be at right angles.
2. To agree or conform: a story that doesn't square with the facts.
adverb
1. Mathematics. At right angles.
2. In a square shape.
3. In a solid manner; firmly.
4. Directly; straight: ran square into each other.
5. In an honest, straightforward manner.
phrasal verb.
square away
1. Nautical. To square the yards of a sailing vessel.
2. To put away or in order.
square off
To assume a fighting stance; prepare to fight. square up
To settle a bill or debt.
idiom.
on the square
1. Mathematics. At right angles.
2. Honestly and openly: has always dealt on the square.
out of square
1. Mathematics. Not at exact right angles.
2. Not in agreement.
square peg in a round hole Informal
A misfit.
[Middle English, from Old French esquarre, from Vulgar Latin *exquadra, from *exquadrāre, to square : Latin ex-, ex- + quadrāre, to square [from quadrum, a square].]
squareʹly adverb
squareʹness noun
squarʹer noun