QUOTA

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does quota mean? 

• QUOTA (noun)
  The noun QUOTA has 3 senses:

1. a prescribed number

2. a proportional share assigned to each participant

3. a limitation on imports

  Familiarity information: QUOTA used as a noun is uncommon.

 Dictionary entry details 

• QUOTA (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A prescribed number

Classified under:

Nouns denoting quantities and units of measure

Context example:

all the salesmen met their quota for the month

Hypernyms ("quota" is a kind of...):

number (a concept of quantity involving zero and units)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A proportional share assigned to each participant

Classified under:

Nouns denoting possession and transfer of possession

Hypernyms ("quota" is a kind of...):

allocation; allotment (a share set aside for a specific purpose)

Sense 3

Meaning:

A limitation on imports

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Context example:

the quota for Japanese imports was negotiated

Hypernyms ("quota" is a kind of...):

import barrier; trade barrier (any regulation or policy that restricts international trade)

 Context examples 

Mrs. Thorpe and her son, who were acquainted with everything, and who seemed only to want Mr. Morland's consent, to consider Isabella's engagement as the most fortunate circumstance imaginable for their family, were allowed to join their counsels, and add their quota of significant looks and mysterious expressions to fill up the measure of curiosity to be raised in the unprivileged younger sisters.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

If you are in sales, you may be upset to hear that your quota will rise or that it already rose several months ago (much to your chagrin), and now you will see the outcome.

(AstrologyZone.com, by Susan Miller)