four-way

American  

[fawr-wey, fohr-] / ˈfɔrˌweɪ, ˈfoʊr- /

adjective

1. providing access or passage in four directions.

   a four-way entrance.

2. applying to all four directions of traffic at an intersection.

   a four-way stop sign.

3. exerting influence or benefit in four different ways.

   a four-way blessing.

4. made up of four participants.

   a four-way discussion.

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four-way British  

adjective

1. giving passage in four directions

2. made up of four elements

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Etymology

Origin of four-way

First recorded in 1815–25

Example Sentences

“Hag” sits smack-dab at the center of a four-way intersection between camp, arthouse, schlock and retro TV movie of the week.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

There’s little Gottlieb can do now about the limitations in USC’s frontcourt, which has relied all season on a four-way rotation at center.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2026

Once, confronted with a contested four-way stop, Harvey waited for the offending cyclist to clear, then took his turn briskly.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

The company said its cars treat nonfunctioning traffic lights as four-way stops, but the added caution worsened congestion, prompting the decision.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

When the announcer calls the two-minute warning for our race, the other girls pull me into a four-way huddle.

From "A Good Kind of Trouble" by Lisa Moore Ramée