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
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 Old Art, Miguel Bonilla delivers a standout performance, breaking the fourth wall and engaging directly with the audience. Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026 These women are approaching Kafka’s fourth wall, the mysterious way out—if not from the ranch, then at least from the limits that bound them at home. Literary Hub, 2 Apr. 2026 In other words, these women are approaching Kafka’s fourth wall, the mysterious way out—if not from the ranch, then at least from the limits that bound them at home. Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fourth wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fourth%20wall. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on fourth wall

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster