Definition of third
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: being next after the second in place or time
the third taxi in line
b
: ranking next after the second of a grade or degree in authority or precedence
served as third mate
c
: being the forward speed or gear next higher than second especially in a motor vehicle
2a
: being one of three equal parts into which something is divisible
a third share of the money
b
: being the last in each group of three in a series
take out every third card
third
nounDefinition of third (Entry 2 of 2)
1a
: one that is number three in a series — see Table of Numbers
b
: one that is next after second in rank, position, authority, or precedence
the third in line
2
: one of three equal parts of something
a third of the pie
3
: third base
4
: the third forward gear or speed especially of a motor vehicle
5a
: the musical interval embracing three diatonic degrees
c
: the harmonic combination of two tones a third apart
6
thirds plural
: merchandise whose quality falls below the manufacturer's standard for seconds
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for third
The first known use of third was before the 12th century
See more words from the same century