three

noun

1
: a number that is one more than 2 see Table of Numbers
2
: the third in a set or series
the three of hearts
3
a
: something having three units or members
three adjective
three pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of three in a Sentence

“What time is it?” “It's three.” I leave each day at three.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 24-year-old Lewis has averaged 5.2 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game while shooting 39.7 percent from the field and 29.4 percent on threes during those NBA appearances. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 27 June 2025 Charlotte finished 28th in three-point percentage during 2024-2025 despite reserve guard Seth Curry leading the league in three-point percentage (45.6) on six threes per game. Kambui Bomani, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 In 37 games, Flagg made 48 percent of his shots from the field and knocked down 39 percent of his threes. Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 June 2025 Much has changed since the early days of Trump’s first term, but buzzwords still come in threes. Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for three

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from three, adjective, from Old English thrīe (masculine), thrēo (feminine & neuter); akin to Old High German drī three, Latin tres, Greek treis

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Three.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

three

noun
1
: a number that is one more than 2 see number
2
: the third in a set or series
the three of hearts
3
a
: something having three units or members
three adjective or pronoun

More from Merriam-Webster on three

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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