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

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

And in a media landscape fractured into echo chambers and filter bubbles, the once-mighty fourth estate is no longer able to cut through the noise and hold power to account.

From Salon