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Definition of fortieth

fortieth

/ˈfɔːr.ti.ɪθ/
for · ti · eth
Plural:fortieths
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fortieth Lexical Profile

fortieth Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Constituting number forty in a sequence; coming immediately after the thirty-ninth in order.

Example

"They are planning a special family trip to celebrate their fortieth wedding anniversary."

2

Being one of forty equal parts into which a whole is divided.

Example

"Each winner received a fortieth share of the total prize pool."

• noun

1

The person or thing in the number forty position in a sequence, or the fortieth year of a person's life or an event.

Example

"She hosted a lively dinner party at a local restaurant for her fortieth."

2

Each of forty equal parts into which something is or may be divided; a fraction equal to 1/40.

Example

"A single drop was less than a fortieth of the required dosage."

Word Nuance & Usage

Like 'forty', 'fortieth' is spelled without a 'u', unlike 'four', 'fourteen', and 'fourteenth'.

• Nearby Words

forthrightly
forthrightness
forthwith
fortieth
fortification
fortified
fortify

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English 'fortithe', derived from Old English 'feowertigotha', formed from 'feowertig' (forty) and the ordinal suffix '-tha'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Fortieth. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/fortieth
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