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 

ˈsikst-

adverb

Sixthly, don't let your screaming tenor soar an octave above all the balance of the chorus …

—Mark Twain

Examples of sixth in a Sentence

Only about a sixth of the town voted for her.

Recent Examples on the Web

Tiquia added a two-run single in the sixth. —Lou Ponsi, Oc Register, 25 Apr. 2026

The Bucs selected five players over the final four rounds, adding versatile Miami defensive back Keionte Scott in the fourth, Clemson defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart and Notre Dame guard Billy Schrauth in the fifth, and LSU tight end Bauer Sharp in the sixth. —Fred Goodall, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026

The visitors completed their scoring in the sixth on an RBI single by Lopez. —Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026

But the Rockets took the lead back for good in the sixth with two sacrifice flies. —Paul Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing sixth

• sixth chord
• sixth form
• sixth form college
• sixth sense

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

sixthly

ˈsiksth-lē 

ˈsikst-

adverb