third
Looking for the meaning of third? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
Advertisement
Placeholder for content ad unit
The person or thing in the third position.
“Jones came in third.”
One of three equal parts of a whole.
“He ate a third of the pie. Divided by two-thirds.”
The third gear of a gearbox.
“Now put it into third.”
An interval consisting of the first and third notes in a scale.
“They sing in thirds.”
Third base
“The play ended with Jones standing on third.”
A handicap of one stroke every third hole.
A third-class degree, awarded to the lowest achievers in an honours degree programme
One sixtieth of a second, i.e., the third in a series of fractional parts in a sexagesimal number system. Also formerly known as a tierce.
To agree with a proposition or statement after it has already been seconded.
To divide into three equal parts.
The ordinal form of the cardinal number three; Coming after the second.
“The third tree from the left is my favorite.”
Understanding "third"
The word **"third"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/θɜːd/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"third"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "third" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "third" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "third" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /θɜːd/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "third" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "third" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "third" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "third". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/θɜːd/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "third" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
Dictionary Helper
How do I use third in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "third" can be used in academic and casual conversations.