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.
For duos, however, that would be an entirely different kind of balance between threes and solos. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025 The Liberty came out of halftime stagnant and settled for too many threes instead of consistent ball movement with Jones as the centerpiece. Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 24 May 2025 And as teams look ahead to an offseason that already has started for most, the messaging has been of big threes being a thing of the past in this new world of tax aprons and CBA spending restrictions. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025 Even with that loss, the Celtics were able to bomb threes and win Game 5. Tyler Everett, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 May 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 29 May. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!