four-on-the-floor

American  

[fawr-on-thuh-flawr, fohr-on-thuh-flohr, -awn-] / ˈfɔr ɒn ðəˌflɔr, ˈfoʊr ɒn ðəˌfloʊr, -ɔn- /

noun

1. a four-speed manual transmission having the gearshift set into the floor.

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adjective

1. of or relating to such a transmission.

Etymology

Origin of four-on-the-floor

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

He turns around and says, “I hate it. That beat — the four-on-the-floor is killing me.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 2, 2026

Joining that trio of singles are the radio-friendly tune the infectious, four-on-the-floor “Unfeel It” as well as her ballad title track.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 19, 2023

“Bad Bunny relished his unprecedented triumphs with a two-hour musical marathon, fashioning several reggaeton and trap numbers ... into four-on-the-floor house jams suited for a rave,” Exposito wrote.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2023

From the shimmering four-on-the-floor groove of “Move On” to the country twang and slide on acoustic closer “Fouram,” the album is full of Anthony’s slick vocals, elastic bass lines, synth flourishes and undeniable rhythms.

From Washington Post • Nov. 9, 2022

So I drive into town for my first date in two years in a red 1941 Chevrolet four-on-the-floor with a John Deere motor grader hooked behind me.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett