Simple Definition of quadriceps

from our Learner's Dictionary

quadriceps

noun

ˈkwɑːdrəˌsɛps How to pronounce quadriceps (audio)
plural quadriceps
: a large muscle at the front of your upper leg
He felt a pain in his right quadriceps.
My quadriceps are sore.

Cite this Entry

“Quadriceps.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/quadriceps. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on quadriceps

Nglish: Translation of quadriceps for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Entry added

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of panache

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Is it 'further' or 'farther'?

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

Is it 'further' or 'farther'?

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
8-track-tapes
Good Old-Fashioned Quiz Can you name these antiquated items?
See All