four

noun

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for four 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of four was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near four

Cite this Entry

“Four.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/four. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

four

noun
ˈfō(ə)r How to pronounce four (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on four

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