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. 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

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

From Salon

“That’s the whole value of democracy. You can voice your opinion, but I hope they understand by not subscribing that it just adds to the demise of democracy and the fourth estate,” he told Spectrum.

From Los Angeles Times

With it, however, comes a more uncertain question of what our “mainstream media” really will look like going forward and how the fourth estate will challenge those in power.

From Slate

Mercieca said that politicians answering questions directly from the media is a good thing — an important part of any democracy — but that Trump has managed to flip that on its head, using his lies to undermine the media, people’s trust in the Fourth Estate and “democracy itself.”

From Los Angeles Times

Willingly enabling a campaign strategy is not the Fourth Estate’s proper role, but even if you think it is, protecting Harris from scrutiny could eventually do more harm than good.

From Los Angeles Times