foursome

UK: ˈfɔːsəm | US: ˈfɔːrsəm

Definition
  1. n. a group of four people or things, especially in sports or games

  2. n. (Golf) a match between two teams of two players each

Structure
four <number 4>some <group suffix>
Etymology

The word "foursome" combines "four," from Old English "fēower," meaning the number 4, and the suffix "-some," derived from Old English "-sum," used to form collective nouns indicating a group. The term originally described any group of four but later specialized in sports contexts, particularly golf, where it denotes a two-team match with two players per team. The logic is straightforward: "four" defines quantity, while "-some" aggregates it into a unit.

Examples
  1. They formed a foursome to play bridge every weekend.

  2. The golf tournament featured a competitive foursome.

  3. We need one more person to complete our foursome for doubles tennis.

  4. The band started as a foursome before expanding to six members.

  5. A lively foursome sat at the corner table, chatting and laughing.