4x4

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌfɔː(ɹ)baɪˈfɔː(ɹ)/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• Rhymes: -ɔː(ɹ)

Alternative forms

• 4X4, 4×4, 4 × 4

Etymology 1

From its dimensions (4 inches by 4 inches); the 'x' is a corruption of the multiplication symbol ×.

Noun

4x4 (plural 4x4s)

1. A piece of timber with a cross section of 4 inches square.

Related terms

• 2x4

Etymology 2

From four-wheel drive and four-speed.

Noun

4x4 (plural 4x4s)

1. (automotive) A four-wheel-drive vehicle with a four-speed transmission.
2. (automotive) A four-wheel vehicle with four-wheel drive.
3. (automotive, by extension) Any vehicle with four-wheel drive.

Synonyms

• 4by4, 4 by 4, 4-by-4, four by four, four-by-four
• 4WD

Derived terms

• 4x4x4 - (4x4 with 4-wheel steering)

Related terms

• 4x2 4-wheel vehicle with 2-wheel-drive(2WD)

See also

• 8x8
• 6x6

French

Alternative forms

• 4X4, 4×4
• quatre-quatre

Etymology

Same as English Etymology 2

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ka.tʁə.katʁ/

• Audio:

  (file)

Noun

4x4 m or f (plural 4x4)

1. (automotive) 4x4, 4WD

   Synonym: véhicule tout-terrain

   • 2018 November 23, “Dans les pays du Golfe, djellabas trempées et 4x4 noyés [In the states of the Persian Gulf, soaked djellabas and drowned 4x4]”, in Libération:

     Cinquante centimètres d’eau suffisent à entraîner même les plus gros 4x4, très nombreux dans ces pays, en principe pour rouler dans les sables du désert, mais en fait pour dominer sur l’asphalte.

     Fifty centimetres of water is enough to drag even the biggest 4x4, most common in these countries, normally designed to drive in the sand of the desert but actually used to dominate the asphalt.