# four

/ˈfɔɹ/ (US) · /fˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/four
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the number 4

numeral · CEFR A1

the number after three and before five.

For teachers: the cardinal number representing the sum of three and one.

- There are four chairs around the kitchen table.
- The research team identified four distinct variables that could potentially influence the outcome of the clinical trial.

### 2. the digit 4

noun · CEFR A2

the written symbol or figure 4.

For teachers: the numerical character or glyph used to represent the number four.

- The house number was a large brass four on the front door.
- The accountant noted that the handwritten four on the invoice was easily confused with a nine, leading to a significant billing error.

### 3. time or age

noun · CEFR A2

four o'clock or being four years old.

For teachers: a specific point in time (16:00 or 04:00) or a person of four years of age.

- The meeting starts at four, so please don't be late.
- By the age of four, most children have developed the coordination necessary to ride a tricycle without assistance.

### 4. cricket score

noun · CEFR B2 · British English

a hit that reaches the boundary and scores four runs.

For teachers: a scoring shot where the ball touches the ground before crossing the boundary, resulting in four runs.

- The batsman hit a beautiful four through the covers.
- The captain's aggressive innings included five sixes and a dozen fours, demoralising the opposition's bowling attack before the lunch break.

### 5. rowing boat

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a racing boat for four people.

For teachers: a racing shell propelled by four rowers, each using a single sweep oar.

- The university's coxless four won the gold medal at the regatta.
- The coach decided to reorganise the men's senior four, hoping that a change in the seating order would improve the boat's balance.

## Examples

- There are four chairs in the kitchen.
- The recipe requires four large eggs and two cups of flour to make the cake.
- The quartet performed a series of intricate movements written specifically for four string instruments, showcasing the unique tonal qualities of each.

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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.