Abstract A quadruple-function dynamically tunable terahertz absorber that uses a hybrid configuration of graphene and vanadium dioxide is proposed in this paper. The absorber achieves dynamic conversion of four functions in one structure: ultra-broadband, broadband, single-frequency narrowband and dual-frequency narrowband, by utilizing the electrical control properties of graphene and the phase-shifting properties of vanadium dioxide. Furthermore, the paper also reveals the physical mechanism of the proposed absorber through the electric field distribution and impedance matching theory. In addition, the influences of the Fermi energy level of graphene and the electrical conductivity of vanadium dioxide on the absorption spectra are investigated, demonstrating the structure’s dynamic tunability. Due to the above features, the designed absorber is expected to have potential applications in terahertz imaging, modulation and filtering.