four

noun

ˈfȯr 

1

: a number that is one more than three see Table of Numbers

2

: the fourth in a set or series

the four of hearts

3

: something having four units or members: such as

a

: a 4-oared racing shell or its crew

b

: a 4-cylinder engine or automobile

four adjective

four pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of four in a Sentence

“What time is it?” “It's four.”

I leave each day at four.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the Senate’s usual plodding pace, passing a single spending bill takes a week, at best — let alone the four that must pass by next Friday to prevent a partial shutdown. —Jacob Bogage, Washington Post, 9 Jan. 2024

The Cavs, based on their net rating, maybe should be closer to the East’s top-four instead of step back. —Chris Manning, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2023

Its balanced chassis is complemented by a punchy turbo-four that hits above its weight class, offering power delivery that feels more like a beefy V-6. —Austin Irwin, Car and Driver, 2 Mar. 2023

The big four who top the list are symbols of the change: 1. —Alan Murray, Fortune, 4 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from four adjective, from Old English fēower; akin to Old High German fior four, Latin quattuor, Greek tessares, tettares

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing four

• four-bagger
• four-ball
• four-by-four
• four-dimensional
• four-eyed
• four flush
• four-footed
• four-hand
• four-handed
• four-in-hand
• four-leaf clover
• four-letter
• four-letter word
• four-o'clock
• four of a kind
• four-peat
• four-poster
• four square
• four-star
• four-way
• four-wheel
• four-wheel drive
• four-wheeled
• four-wheeler
• four-wing saltbush
• from the four corners of the earth
• hit the big four-oh
• petit four
• these four walls
• twenty-four hours a day
• twenty-four seven
• two-by-four

Kids Definition

four

noun

ˈfō(ə)r 

ˈfȯ(ə)r

1

: a number that is one more than three see number

2

: the fourth in a set or series

3

: something having four units or members

four adjective or pronoun