# fours

/ˈfɔɹz/ (US) · /fˈɔːz/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fours
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a slang term for a specific interest rate or price that ends in four. It is mostly used by people who work in banks or trade stocks.

For teachers: refers to a price, yield, or interest rate ending in the digit four, typically used in the context of basis points or decimal pricing. Common in professional trading environments to simplify verbal communication.

## Examples

- The trader shouted that the bond was trading at fours.
- The desk was quoting the spread at fours, reflecting a slight tightening in the market since the morning session.
- In the fast-paced environment of the trading floor, shorthand like 'fours' allows market participants to execute orders with minimal verbal friction during periods of high volatility.

## Usage notes

- Used as a plural noun in financial jargon; typically refers to the final digit of a quote.

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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.