First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1third
adjective \ˈthərd\
: 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
Full Definition of THIRD
1
a : 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
2
a : 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 or third·ly adverb
See third defined for English-language learners
See third defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of THIRD
Middle English thridde, thirde, from Old English thridda, thirdda; akin to Latin tertius third, Greek tritos, treis three — more at three
2third
noun
: 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
Full Definition of THIRD
1
: one of three equal parts of something <a third of the pie>
2
a — see number table b : one that is next after second in rank, position, authority, or precedence <the third in line>
3
a : the musical interval embracing three diatonic degrees b : a tone at this interval; specifically : mediant c : the harmonic combination of two tones a third apart
4
plural : merchandise whose quality falls below the manufacturer's standard for seconds
5
6
: the third forward gear or speed especially of a motor vehicle
See third defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of THIRD
14th century
THIRD Defined for Kids
1third
adjective \ˈthərd\
Definition of THIRD for Kids
: coming right after second
2third
noun
Definition of THIRD for Kids
1
: number three in a series
2
: one of three equal parts
Learn More About THIRD
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: third anglePrevious Word in the Dictionary: thiramAll Words Near: third
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up third? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).