four-star
[fawr-stahr, fohr-]
- of or being a full general or admiral, as indicated by four stars on an insignia.
- rated or considered as being of the highest quality, especially as indicated by four printed stars assigned in some rating systems: a four-star restaurant.
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Origin of four-star
First recorded in 1920–25
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for four-star
Contemporary Examples
The dish was a massive hit, and Shun Lee Palace subsequently received a four-star review in The New York Times.
‘The Search for General Tso’: The Origins of America’s Favorite Chinese Dish, General Tso’s ChickenMarlow Stern
April 19, 2014
Dave Gunther and I have convinced a four-star general and a colonel of our plan, but the whole thing hangs in the balance.
The group found key advocates in upper military echelons, where four-star generals almost always get what they want.
Officers, from second lieutenants up to four-star generals, constitute the top of the chain of command.
Chuck Hagel’s Experience as a Soldier Uniquely Qualifies Him to Head DefenseMatt Pottinger
January 5, 2013
We might be more likely to buy a book with a five- or four-star review than one with two.
Historical Examples
The Four-star Surgeon stripped off his gown and gloves with a flourish.
Star SurgeonAlan Nourse
In the conference room, a red-faced, four-star general cast a chilling glance at the rumpled figure of Colonel Thurgood.
A Filbert Is a NutRick Raphael
He looked at the long semicircular table, and studied the impassive faces of the four-star Physicians across the table from him.
Star SurgeonAlan Nourse
One was a Four-star Surgeon, resplendent in flowing red cape and glistening silver insignia.
Star SurgeonAlan Nourse
Moments after the Four-star Surgeon arrived at the hospital, he was fully and unmistakably in command of the situation.
Star SurgeonAlan Nourse