four-letter

adjective

four-let·​ter ˈfȯr-ˈle-tər How to pronounce four-letter (audio)
: of, relating to, or being four-letter words

Examples of four-letter in a Sentence

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.
As the Los Angeles Lakers huffed and puffed and maybe even threw some four-letter words at coach JJ Redick on Thursday, the screen on the corner of the court reminded the team what this is all about. Dan Woike, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 The four-letter name is written in bold upper-case letters and covers the majority of his knuckles. Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 Panther fans everywhere shook their heads for this game’s four-plus hours and probably threw in a few four-letter words, too. Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 8 Sep. 2025 As the Tribune would later point out, Elia used four-letter words, 10-letter words and 12-letter words. Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for four-letter

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of four-letter was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Four-letter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/four-letter. Accessed 6 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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