four-letter

adjective

four-let·​ter ˈfȯr-ˈle-tər How to pronounce four-letter (audio)
: of, relating to, or being four-letter words

Examples of four-letter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the relentless drive of global business, there's a four-letter acronym that's become as ubiquitous as the morning coffee: VUCA. Jim Stevenson, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 It was quickly followed by another four-letter word moment. Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2025 Running around, promoting that stupid four-letter catchphrase, having a little bit of fun with everybody out there, just to cover up your lack of in-ring ability. Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 11 Mar. 2025 Schools can never succeed academically until discipline is no longer treated as a four-letter word. Vincent Turley, Hartford Courant, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for four-letter

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of four-letter was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Four-letter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/four-letter. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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