fourth wall

noun

: an imaginary wall (as at the opening of a modern stage proscenium) that keeps performers from recognizing or directly addressing their audience

Examples of fourth wall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The rooms The master bedroom has a fourth wall of glass that slides open to bring the outside in, the bathrooms feature immense basalt bathtubs, which one suspects are more for ornament than use, and outdoor rain showers boast Aqua di Parma amenities, yoga mats, and glamorous beach bags and hats. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The characters in the play break the fourth wall — a strikingly common thing in Chicago and New York theater this spring — and make their cases directly. —Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026

The scene on the stand, when Hill breaks the fourth wall? —Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026

As Old Art, Miguel Bonilla delivers a standout performance, breaking the fourth wall and engaging directly with the audience. —Michelle F. Solomon, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for fourth wall

• aldol
• armhole
• atoll
• awol
• backhaul
• banal
• baseball
• befall
• cabal
• catchall
• cecal
• centrale