fourth estate

noun

, (often initial capital letters)

1. the journalistic profession or its members; the press.
2. a group other than the usual powers, as the three estates of France, that wields influence in the politics of a country.

fourth estate

noun

1. See estate
   sometimes capitals journalists or their profession; the press See estate

Word History and Origins

Origin of fourth estate¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

In her book, she exhibits pronounced paranoia that the Fourth Estate had collaborated in one giant conspiracy against her.

From The Daily Beast

The exact position of that local representative of the Fourth Estate is best defined as district reporter.

From Project Gutenberg

All the glories and grandeurs of the Fourth Estate were concentrated in that haughty monosyllable.

From Project Gutenberg

His response to the toast of the Fourth Estate was an apology for its behaviour to my father.

From Project Gutenberg

The term 'fourth-estate' is often used to designate the Press.

From Project Gutenberg

I won't say how we prevailed with the Fourth Estate, except that it wasn't by bribery.

From Project Gutenberg