four

noun \ ˈfȯr \

Updated on: 16 May 2018

Definition of four

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

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four

adjective

—

four

pronoun, plural in construction

See four defined for English-language learners

See four defined for kids

Examples of four in a Sentence

“What time is it?” “It's four.”
I leave each day at four.

Recent Examples of four from the Web

Changing from two long lines of eight ships each, the fleet was divided into divisions of fours, the flagships steaming abreast at the lead of their respective columns.

— sandiegouniontribune.com, "April 14, 1908: Great White Fleet visits San Diego," 14 Apr. 2018
Vitals: 5-10 senior Skinny: The GVSU signee took P-W to back-to-back final fours, including an appearance in the title game in 2017.

— Detroit Free Press, "Meet the Detroit Free Press All-State girls basketball teams," 12 Apr. 2018
There are seven races tonight, meaning the pick fours will start in the first and fourth races.

— john cherwa, latimes.com, "Racing! Jon White comes right at you with his Kentucky Derby Top 10," 6 Apr. 2018
Modern basketball embraces stretch fours, skilled fives and point guards who can do a bit of everything.

— nick baumgardner, Detroit Free Press, "John Beilein's system big winner in Michigan basketball's NCAA run," 4 Apr. 2018
The rise of pro wrestling There was a time when matches were held in church basements; now WrestleMania events are basically all-star rock concerts with body slams and figure-fours instead of guitar solos.

— bill goodykoontz, azcentral, "100 beers and a lot of heart: 'Andre the Giant' stands tall in HBO documentary," 10 Apr. 2018
Winter Springs 21, East River 10 Buzz: Arianna Stratton scored 6 goals and Elena Saady had 4 fours and 4 assists for Winter Springs (3-8).

— staff report, OrlandoSentinel.com, "VARSITY SCORES: April 5," 5 Apr. 2018
Munch on petit-fours and mini pastries, while watching a magic show.

— carolina gusman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Easter egg hunts and events: Top picks for San Diego County," 28 Mar. 2018
In one location, two-by-fours were used to wall in mats used for training, creating a potential safety hazard.

— lyndsay winkley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Probation Department unveils multi-million dollar training facility in Scripps Ranch," 29 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'four.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of four

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: before 12th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Number-Related Terms

jubilee, myriad, quarantine, score, twain

FOUR Defined for English Language Learners

four

noun

Definition of four for English Language Learners

: the number 4
: the fourth in a set or series
: four o'clock

FOUR Defined for Kids

four

adjective \ ˈfȯr \

Definition of four for Students

: being one more than three

four

noun

Definition of four for Students

1 : one more than three : two times two : 4

2 : the fourth in a set or series

Headscratcher for four

Four is the only number whose name is spelled with the quantity of letters that matches its value.

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See words that rhyme with four Spanish Central: Translation of four Nglish: Translation of four for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of four for Arabic speakers

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Origin and Etymology of four

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FOUR Defined for English Language Learners

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