fourth

noun \ ˈfȯrth \

|Updated on: 12 Jun 2018

Examples: fourth in a Sentence

Definition of fourth

plural fourths play \ˈfȯr(th)s\

1 : one that is number four in a series — see Table of Numbers

2 a : a musical interval (see interval 2b) embracing four tones of the diatonic scale

b : a tone at this interval; specifically : subdominant 1

c : the harmonic combination of two tones a fourth apart

3 : the fourth forward gear or speed of a motor vehicle

shifted into fourth

4 capitalized : independence day —used with the

watched fireworks on the Fourth

—

fourth

adjective or adverb

—

fourthly

adverb

See fourth defined for English-language learners

See fourth defined for kids

Examples of fourth in a Sentence

cut the cake into fourths
She drank a fourth of the bottle.

Recent Examples of fourth from the Web

The term limits plan would require a constitutional amendment, which would require a two-thirds vote in Congress, followed by a ratification of three-fourths of the state legislatures.

— gray rohrer, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Gov. Scott hammers on broken Congress theme, wants supermajority vote for tax increases," 2 May 2018
After taking Penn State tight end Mike Gesicki on Friday, the Dolphins doubled down on the position by selecting Notre Dame's Durham Smythe with their first of two fourths.

— adam h. beasley, miamiherald, "Dolphins' top draft objective: Build a defense for the new NFL. Here's how they fared | Miami Herald," 28 Apr. 2018
The cash to fill that deficit will almost certainly come from the Constitutional Budget Reserve — a state savings account that requires a three-fourths vote by both the House and Senate to tap.

— nathaniel herz, Anchorage Daily News, "What’s the holdup? The Alaska Legislature’s latest stalemate, explained," 1 Apr. 2018
In 2017, 18 animals died in United's care, three-fourths of all such deaths on U.S. airlines.

— david koenig, Fox News, "United suspends PetSafe pet service amid multiple animal mishaps," 21 Mar. 2018
Huerter’s time for sprinting three-fourths the length of the court of 3.09 seconds tied for for sixth with Nevada’s Cody Martin.

— don markus, baltimoresun.com, "Maryland's Huerter sits out Friday scrimmage at NBA combine after aggravating hand injury," 19 May 2018
Larson was third, Truex Jr. fourth and Chase Elliott fifth.

— mike hembree, USA TODAY, "Kevin Harvick (Who else?) wins All-Star race, takes home $1 million top prize," 19 May 2018
Jurado rebounded with a 1-2-3 fourth and recorded two outs in the fifth before being pulled.

— drew davison, star-telegram, "Four-run third spoils Jurado’s debut in Rangers loss. But it could be enough to earn him another start. | Fort Worth Star-Telegram," 19 May 2018
Each chamber must pass the legislation by a three-fourths majority in order to fill a deficit of roughly $700 million with money from the state's main savings account, the Constitutional Budget Reserve.

— nathaniel herz, Anchorage Daily News, "From crime laws to construction spending, Alaska lawmakers did a lot in the past 48 hours. Here’s what you missed.," 11 May 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of fourth

see four

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

FOURTH Defined for English Language Learners

fourth

noun

Definition of fourth for English Language Learners

: number four in a series
: one of four equal parts of something
: the fourth forward gear or speed of a car, truck, etc.

FOURTH Defined for Kids

fourth

adjective \ ˈfȯrth \

Definition of fourth for Students

: coming right after third

fourth

noun

Definition of fourth for Students

1 : number four in a series

2 : one of four equal parts

Learn More about fourth

See words that rhyme with fourth Spanish Central: Translation of fourth Nglish: Translation of fourth for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of fourth for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fourth

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fourth

Definition of fourth

fourth

fourthly

Examples of fourth in a Sentence

Recent Examples of fourth from the Web

Origin and Etymology of fourth

Other Number-Related Terms

Phrases Related to FOURTH

Related Phrases

FOURTH Defined for English Language Learners

fourth

Definition of fourth for English Language Learners

FOURTH Defined for Kids

fourth

Definition of fourth for Students

fourth

Definition of fourth for Students

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