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

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Considering its loose, improvisational dialogue, stilted line readings, and tendency to break the fourth wall, Tender Touches feels a lot like a show Rick and Morty might stumble across while channel surfing on their interdimensional cable box. Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026 As Liborio, an orphan who risked his life to cross the border and ended up living in the attic of a bookstore thanks to the kindness of the gruff owner, Chief (Eddie Marsan), the actor plays a narrator who consistently breaks the fourth wall. Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026 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 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 See All Example Sentences for fourth wall

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fourth wall was in 1807

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Cite this Entry

“Fourth wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fourth%20wall. Accessed 29 Mar. 2026.

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