tenth

noun

ˈten(t)th 

plural tenths ˈten(t)s  ˈten(t)ths 

1

: one that is number ten in a series

the tenth of February

She was the tenth in line.

see Table of Numbers

2

: one of ten equal parts of something

He sold the car for a tenth of its value.

3

a

: a musical interval embracing an octave and a third

b

: the tone at this interval

tenth adjective or adverb

the tenth floor

the world's tenth largest company

Examples of tenth in a Sentence

He was tenth in line.

He traded stocks for one tenth their face value.

I only paid a tenth of what you did for that jacket.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tri-Rail runs on a $150 million a year budget, only a tenth of which is paid by commuter fares. —Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 July 2025

Louisville's 5-day forecast Monday Precipitation chances are 30-60% with showers and thunderstorms likely, mainly after 5 p.m. and before 8 p.m. New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are expected but higher amounts are possible in thunderstorms. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 21 July 2025

My early understanding segregated them into distinct Black American traditions: he, Du Bois, she, Washington; the new and the old; white-collar and blue; the talented tenth and those they were charged to uplift. —Michael Thomas, New Yorker, 19 July 2025

Metzger calculates that astronauts could only provide a tenth of the carbon dioxide required. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 17 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tenth

• tenth-rate

Kids Definition

tenth

noun

ˈten(t)th 

plural tenths ˈten(t)s 

ˈten(t)ths

1

: one that is number 10 in a series see number

2

: one of 10 equal parts of something

3

: the one numbered 10 in a countable series

tenth adjective or adverb