foursome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to informal; common in specific contexts (sports, social).
Quick answer
What does “foursome” mean?
A group of four people, especially one formed for a particular activity such as playing a game.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A group of four people, especially one formed for a particular activity such as playing a game.
1. (In golf) A match in which two teams of two players compete, or the group itself. 2. (Informal) Any social gathering or activity involving four people. 3. (In tennis/badminton) A doubles match.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is broadly similar. In golf, 'foursome' in UK often specifically denotes an alternate-shot format, while in US it can be a broader term for a group of four playing together, not necessarily in a match. The informal social use is slightly more common in AmE.
Connotations
Generally neutral. In social contexts, can imply a planned, often enjoyable outing among friends.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in sports reporting and social planning; low in formal writing.
Grammar
How to Use “foursome” in a Sentence
[verb] a foursome (e.g., form, join, make up)[adjective] foursome (e.g., regular, mixed, social)a foursome of [people] (e.g., a foursome of colleagues)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “foursome” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- This verb form does not exist for 'foursome'. The word is exclusively a noun.
American English
- This verb form does not exist for 'foursome'. The word is exclusively a noun.
adverb
British English
- This adverb form does not exist for 'foursome'.
American English
- This adverb form does not exist for 'foursome'.
adjective
British English
- This adjective form does not exist. Use 'four-person' or 'for four'.
- We booked a four-person table.
American English
- This adjective form does not exist. Use 'four-player' or 'for four'.
- It's a four-player co-op game.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in informal team-building contexts ("We played a foursome at the golf outing").
Academic
Very rare; specific to studies of group dynamics or sports sociology.
Everyday
Common in planning social or sporting activities ("Shall we try to get a foursome for cards?").
Technical
Standard terminology in golf (defining match formats) and other racket/ball sports.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “foursome”
- Using it as an adjective (e.g., "a foursome game" is incorrect; use "a four-player game").
- Confusing it with "double date" (a foursome can be platonic).
- Using for inanimate objects (a foursome of chairs is atypical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, informally it can, but its core meaning is any group of four for an activity. 'Double date' is more specific to romantic dating.
No, while strongly associated with sports like golf and tennis, it is used for any social or recreational activity involving four participants (e.g., going to cinema, playing board games).
A 'quartet' primarily refers to a group of four musicians or singers. A 'foursome' refers to a group of four people engaged in a shared activity, typically non-musical.
It is atypical and might sound odd. 'Foursome' is used for people (or sometimes animals/teams perceived as units). For objects, use 'set of four', 'group of four', or simply 'four'.
A group of four people, especially one formed for a particular activity such as playing a game.
Foursome is usually neutral to informal; common in specific contexts (sports, social). in register.
Foursome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːsəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfɔːrsəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Make up a foursome (to be the fourth person needed for a game or activity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the FOUR in FOURSOME. It's a SOME (group) of FOUR.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GROUP IS A CONTAINER ("in a foursome"), ACTIVITY IS A JOURNEY ("we made up a foursome for the round").
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'foursome' MOST specifically defined?