# fourth

/ˈfɔɹθ/ (US) · /fˈɔːθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/fourth
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. position number four

numeral · CEFR A1

coming after the third thing in a list or sequence.

For teachers: the ordinal number matching the cardinal number four.

- This is the fourth time I have called the office today.
- The fourth runner in the relay race managed to close the gap, securing a podium finish for the team.

### 2. a quarter

noun · CEFR A2 · American English

one of four equal parts of something.

For teachers: one of four equal parts into which something is or may be divided. Often used in American English where British English prefers 'quarter'.

- He ate a fourth of the pizza before the others arrived.
- The budget allocation for research represents roughly a fourth of the total annual expenditure for the department.

### 3. car gear

noun · CEFR B1

the fourth speed or gear in a vehicle.

For teachers: the fourth transmission gear in a motor vehicle, typically used for moderate cruising speeds.

- You should shift into fourth once you reach the main road.
- The driver shifted smoothly from third into fourth as the car accelerated onto the motorway.

### 4. musical interval

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

the distance between the first and fourth notes in a scale.

For teachers: a musical interval spanning four degrees of the diatonic scale.

- The melody begins with a perfect fourth.
- The composer utilised a series of perfect fourths to create a sense of modern, open harmony in the opening movement.

### 5. Independence Day

noun · CEFR B1 · American English

a short way to say the Fourth of July holiday in the US.

For teachers: a reference to the United States Independence Day holiday. Usually capitalised.

- We are planning a big barbecue for the Fourth.
- The city hosts a spectacular fireworks display every Fourth, attracting thousands of visitors to the waterfront.

### 6. to agree with a point

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal · Humorous

to say you agree with an idea after three other people have already agreed.

For teachers: to express agreement with a proposal that has already been supported by three others. Follows the sequence of 'seconding' and 'thirding' a motion.

- I'll fourth that suggestion; let's go get some coffee.
- After several colleagues voiced their approval, Sarah joked that she would fourth the motion to end the meeting early.

## Examples

- This is the fourth time I have called you today.
- She finished in fourth place, just missing out on a bronze medal by a few seconds.
- The fourth movement of the symphony introduces a haunting melody that contrasts sharply with the energetic themes established in the earlier sections.

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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.