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
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No one broke the fourth wall to acknowledge that this was anything other than a deeply theatrical experience — except for Josh Gad’s Herod, with some improvised joking in his one number. Chris Willman, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025 Then the camera transitions to a framed portrait of Simpson’s Nordberg, prompting Moses Jones’ Nordberg Jr. to break the fourth wall, shake his head and not deliver his own sentimental moment. Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025 The scene ends with Frank Jr. and Beth breaking the fourth wall and starting to talk to the audience, with Frank Jr. eventually attempting to poke his way through the big screen. Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025 Genie stole the show—breaking the fourth wall, poking fun at today’s pop culture and creating a sense of connection that’s rare in such grand productions. Luciana Cemerka, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 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 20 Aug. 2025.

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