third-party

1 of 2

adjective

third-par·​ty ˈthərd-ˈpär-tē How to pronounce third-party (audio)
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

Examples of third-party in a Sentence

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.
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 See All Example Sentences for third-party

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of third-party was in 1641

Browse Nearby Words

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Third-party.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third-party. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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

Legal Definition

third party

see party sense 1a, b

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!