# fourth estate

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fourth-estate
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Journalism or journalists considered as a group; the press.

## Examples

- The fourth estate reports on the government every day.
- Many people believe that the fourth estate plays a vital role in keeping politicians honest and accountable.
- By investigating corruption and challenging those in power, the fourth estate serves as a crucial check on the authority of the state.

## Origin

Originally, England recognized three estates as the specific classes of people entitled to participate in government: the clergy, the barons and knights, and the commons. This structure was later reimagined as the three governmental powers required for legislation, namely the Crown, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. The term fourth estate emerged from this trifecta, initially appearing in satirical or jocular contexts to identify an additional, unofficial power. The modern association of the term with the Press is frequently attributed to Edmund Burke in 1787. While the expression began as a political observation, it was popularized as a fixed concept by the essayist William Hazlitt during the 19th century.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.