fourth wall

noun

: an imaginary wall (as at the opening of a modern stage proscenium) that keeps performers from recognizing or directly addressing their audience

Examples of fourth wall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Netflix’s Vladimir sees Rachel Weisz break the fourth wall in a comedic drama that explores desire, power, and creative inspiration. —Tiffany Kelly, Entertainment Weekly, 5 Mar. 2026

Plans are now underway for a contemporary reimagining of the series, which saw McShane play the eponymous roguish and fourth wall-breaking antiques dealer, a likeable anti-hero with a knack for recognizing genuine antiques from fakes or forgeries. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 4 Mar. 2026

Since well before Larry David came along, celebrities have been breaking their own life’s fourth wall and finding comedy among the wreckage. —Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 12 Feb. 2026

Be prepared that this show breaks the fourth wall, with performers combing the crowd and tossing balloons about. —Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fourth wall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale