fifth

fifth

noun \ˈfith, ˈfif(t)th, ˈfift\

plural fifths \ˈfiths, ˈfif(t)ths, ˈfif(t)s\

Definition of FIFTH

1

: one that is number five in a series — see number table

2

a : the musical interval embracing five diatonic degrees

b : a tone at this interval; specifically : dominant 1

c : the harmonic combination of two tones at this interval

3

: a unit of measure for liquor equal to one fifth of a United States gallon (0.757 liter)

4

capitalized : the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution; also : the right accorded by the Fifth Amendment to refuse to testify against oneself —usually used in the phrase take the Fifth

— fifth adjective or adverb

— fifth·ly adverb

Examples of FIFTH

1. The bill is due on the fifth of each month.
2. She donated a fifth of her income to charity.
3. bought a fifth of whiskey

Origin of FIFTH

Middle English fifte, fifthe, from Old English fīfta, from fīf five

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with FIFTH

frith, grith, kith, myth, pith, smith, swith, with, withe