fourth estate

American  

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.

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fourth estate British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of fourth estate

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

Rather remained adamant, even through reputational degradation, that the real threat to journalism wasn’t liberal bias or declining ratings, but the corrosive takeover of the fourth estate by corporate and ideological power.

From Salon

While the news media is sometimes referred to as the fourth estate, alongside the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, few think of stand-up comedy as a pillar of democracy.

From Los Angeles Times

We are long overdue for a reintroduction of the guidelines that offered some degree of trust in the fourth estate.

From Salon

Clooney said he wanted to make a movie to let people hear some “really well-written words about the fourth estate again.”

From Seattle Times

Alex Garland’s powerful war drama is ostensibly a tribute to the fourth estate.

From Los Angeles Times