sixth
noun
ˈsiks(t)th 
ˈsiks(t)
plural sixths
ˈsiks(ts)
ˈsiks(t)ths
1
: one that is number six in a series
We'll be arriving on the sixth.
Her office is the sixth on the left.
see Table of Numbers
2
: one of six equal parts of something
one sixth of the total
3
a
: a musical interval embracing six diatonic degrees
b
: a tone at this interval
specifically
: submediant
c
: the harmonic combination of two tones a sixth apart
sixth
adjective or adverb
the book's sixth chapter
the state's sixth largest city
sixthly
ˈsiksth-lē
adverb
ˈsikst-
Sixthly, don't let your screaming tenor soar an octave above all the balance of the chorus …
—
Mark Twain
Mark Twain
Examples of sixth in a Sentence
Only about a sixth of the town voted for her.
Recent Examples on the Web
On Tuesday, the Rangers got the good version of Andrew Heaney, who took a scoreless game into the sixth.
—Evan Grant, Dallas News, 30 Aug. 2023
José Soriano fared well in relief, giving up one hit and striking out one over an inning, and Dominic Leone pitched a scoreless sixth.
—Annika Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2023
In the sixth, James McCann laid down a perfect safety squeeze bunt — one of many elegant bunts from the 33-year-old catcher this year — to score Cedric Mullins, who stole two bases for the first time since opening day.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Sep. 2023
Martina Hingis got there in her sixth, Monica Seles her fourth.
—Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2023
Steve Sarkisian and Texas rose, jumping to sixth after entering the game No. 11.
—Matt Stahl | Mstahl@al.com, al, 10 Sep. 2023
He’s collected just 15 outs, but has allowed an astounding 11 runs in the sixth.
—Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023
Washington ranked second, USC third, UCLA fourth and Oregon sixth nationally in total offense last season.
—Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2023
But in the bottom of the sixth, the Yankees responded.
—Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press, 6 Sep. 2023
See More
Evan Grant, Dallas News, 30 Aug. 2023
José Soriano fared well in relief, giving up one hit and striking out one over an inning, and Dominic Leone pitched a scoreless sixth.
—Annika Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2023
In the sixth, James McCann laid down a perfect safety squeeze bunt — one of many elegant bunts from the 33-year-old catcher this year — to score Cedric Mullins, who stole two bases for the first time since opening day.
—Jacob Calvin Meyer, Baltimore Sun, 20 Sep. 2023
Martina Hingis got there in her sixth, Monica Seles her fourth.
—Dan Wolken, USA TODAY, 11 Sep. 2023
Steve Sarkisian and Texas rose, jumping to sixth after entering the game No. 11.
—Matt Stahl | Mstahl@al.com, al, 10 Sep. 2023
He’s collected just 15 outs, but has allowed an astounding 11 runs in the sixth.
—Julian McWilliams, BostonGlobe.com, 8 Sep. 2023
Washington ranked second, USC third, UCLA fourth and Oregon sixth nationally in total offense last season.
—Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 6 Sep. 2023
But in the bottom of the sixth, the Yankees responded.
—Kirkland Crawford, Detroit Free Press, 6 Sep. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sixth.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of sixth was
in the 12th century
Phrases Containing sixth
Dictionary Entries Near sixth
Cite this Entry
“Sixth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sixth. Accessed 29 Nov. 2023.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
sixth
noun
ˈsiks(t)th
ˈsiks(t)
plural sixths
1
: one that is number six in a series see number
2
: the difference in pitch between the first tone and the sixth tone of a scale
sixth
adjective or adverb
More from Merriam-Webster on sixth
Nglish: Translation of sixth for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of sixth for Arabic Speakers
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share