third
adjective
\ ˈthərd
\
\
Definition of third
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: being next after the second in place or time
the third taxi in line
b
: ranking next after the second of a grade or degree in authority or precedence
served as third mate
c
: being the forward speed or gear next higher than second especially in a motor vehicle
2a
: being one of three equal parts into which something is divisible
a third share of the money
b
: being the last in each group of three in a series
take out every third card
third
nounDefinition of third (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: one that is number three in a series — see Table of Numbers
b
: one that is next after second in rank, position, authority, or precedence
the third in line
2
: one of three equal parts of something
a third of the pie
3
: third base
4
: the third forward gear or speed especially of a motor vehicle
5a
: the musical interval embracing three diatonic degrees
c
: the harmonic combination of two tones a third apart
6
thirds plural
: merchandise whose quality falls below the manufacturer's standard for seconds
Keep scrolling for more
Examples of third in a Sentence
Adjective
We sat in the third row. the third house on the left
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
The unemployment rate remained 3.7% for a third straight month, the Labor Department said Friday , near the lowest level in five decades. — Time, "U.S. Hiring Slows But Remains Steady Amid Trade War and Global Economic Weakness," 6 Sep. 2019 The unemployment rate stayed at 3.7% for a third straight month, near the lowest level in five decades. — Washington Post, "Modest hiring enough to fuel sluggish but durable US economy," 6 Sep. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'third.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for third
third
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of third
(Entry 1 of 2)
: occupying the number three position in a series
: next to the second in importance or rank
: equal in size, value, amount, etc., to one third of something
third
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of third (Entry 2 of 2)
: something that is third : the third thing in a series
: one of three equal parts of something
: the third forward gear or speed of a vehicle
See the full definition for third in the English Language Learners Dictionary
third
adjective