four-way

adjective

ˈfȯr-ˈwā 

1

a

: allowing or affecting passage or movement in any of four directions

a four-way intersection

a four-way joystick

pants made with a four-way stretch

b

: applicable to traffic from each of four directions

a four-way stop

2

a

: including four participants

a four-way conversation

a four-way tie in the standings

b

: having four components, functions, etc.

File, buff, smooth, and shine—this four-way tool does it all.

—Lauren Basalmo

An officer observed a vehicle put on its four-way flashers and stop. The driver stated they ran out of gas.

—The St. Joseph (Minnesota) Newsleader

Examples of four-way in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Shuham won nearly 42% of the vote in the four-way Democratic primary, which was open to all voters because no other candidates ran for the office. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 19 Aug. 2026

Silayev skates very well for his size and has excellent footwork and a smooth stride, with strong four-way mobility. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 18 Aug. 2026

That’s the promise of Vuori’s silky-soft performance material, which is designed to naturally shed creases and also offers four-way stretch and moisture-wicking properties. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

Mills is the only incumbent in the four-way Republican primary. — Rena Rowe, The Washington Examiner, 14 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Rhymes for four-way

• airway
• allay
• archway
• array
• ashtray
• assez
• astray
• aue
• away
• ballet
• belay
• beltway