What does "quid" mean?
The inherent nature of something.
Quid
/kwɪd/ noun, verb, slang
noun, verb, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The inherent nature of something.
- Grammar: quid is listed as noun, verb, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: british pound, chaw, chew, plug.
- Useful contrasts: no exchange, no reciprocity, that.
- Usage evidence: Didn't she only have five quid?
How to use "quid"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "quid" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "quid" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "quid" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "quid" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "quid" is acting as noun, verb, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "british pound" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "quid", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The inherent nature of something.
- 2 A sovereign or guinea, that is, a certain coin or amount of money. historical
"They invited him to come to-morrow, […] and bring half a quid with him."
- 3 A piece of material for chewing, especially chewing tobacco.
"Then he lay quiet for a little, and then, pulling out a stick of tobacco, begged me to cut him a quid."
- 4 a wad of something chewable as tobacco wordnet
- 5 A member of a section of the Democratic-Republican Party between 1805 and 1811, following John Randolph of Roanoke. (From tertium quid.) US, historical
Show 8 more definitions
- 6 Pound sterling. (usually only used with a whole number of pounds) UK, colloquial
"Seven quid for a toastie? Are you taking the mick?!"
- 7 The act of chewing such tobacco. US, colloquial
- 8 something for something; that which a party receives (or is promised) in return for something they do or give or promise wordnet
- 9 Paired with quo, in reference to the phrase quid pro quo (“this for that”): something offered in exchange for something else.
"[…]; but what is the quo for which they ought to give the quid? you say they ought to give a quid pro quo; what is the quo? […]; did not they give you a pretty handsome quid for the quo there?"
- 10 Various national currencies typically known by the name "pound". Commonwealth, Ireland, colloquial, historical
- 11 the basic unit of money in Great Britain and Northern Ireland; equal to 100 pence wordnet
- 12 Euro. Ireland, broadly, colloquial
- 13 Dollar, dollars. Commonwealth, broadly, colloquial, rare
Verb
- 1 To chew tobacco.
"Ah! the pig-tailed, quidding pirates and the pretty pranks we played"
- 2 To let food drop from the mouth whilst chewing.
Example
"Didn't she only have five quid?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "quid"?
Common synonyms include: british pound, chaw, chew, plug, pound, axiom.
How do you use "quid" in a sentence?
Didn't she only have five quid?
How do you pronounce "quid"?
Pronounced /kwɪd/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from Latin quid (“what, something”), neuter singular of quis (“who”).
Etymology 2
Likely derives from the phrase quid pro quo (“this for that”), referring to the exchange of goods/services for money.
Etymology 3
From Middle English quide, quede, from Old English cwidu, cwudu (“that which is chewed, cud”). Doublet of cud.