third-party

1 of 2

adjective

third-par·​ty ˈthərd-ˈpär-tē 

1

: of, relating to, or involving a third party

third-party insurance

2

: of, relating to, or being software that is created by a vendor to be compatible with the products of another vendor

third party

2 of 2

noun

1

: a person other than the principals

a third party to a divorce proceeding

insurance against injury to third parties

2

a

: a major political party operating over a limited period of time in addition to two other major parties in a nation or state normally characterized by a two-party system

b

: minor party

Examples of third-party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Kurt's key takeaway If the recent breaches are any indication, third-party services that companies rely on are often the weakest link in cybersecurity. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2025

This segment manufactures and distributes concentrates, syrup and finished beverages of its brands and third-party brands, to third-party bottlers, distributors, retailers and end consumers. —Kenneth Squire, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025

Noun

Saturday, according to FlightAware, a third party website that tracks flights. —Nathaniel Percy, Oc Register, 16 Oct. 2025

In a statement shared with CNN, the airport said a third party accessed both its flight information display screens and public address system. —Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

third party

noun

1

: a person other than the main participants

a third party to the legal proceedings

2

a

: a political party operating usually for a limited time in addition to the two major parties in a 2-party system

b

: minor party

Legal Definition

third party

see party sense 1a, b