third base

noun

1

: the base that must be touched third by a base runner in baseball

2

: the player position for defending the area around third base

3

slang + impolite : amorous touching or caressing especially of the genitals

—usually used in phrases like get to third base or reach third base

One boy told everyone he got to third base with her when she didn't even know what counted as third base, but unless it was French-kissing, he hadn't.

—Meryl Wilsner

compare first base sense 4, home base sense 3, second base sense 3

third baseman noun

Examples of third base in a Sentence

a runner on third base

Recent Examples on the Web

The infield defense was a problem for the Mets last season with Francisco Lindor injured, Marcus Semien struggling, Pete Alonso gone and Bo Bichette transitioning to third base for the first time in his career. — Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2026

Keith Johnson, who was the third base coach, was retained as the minor league baserunning and outfield coordinator. — Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 Nov. 2026

Four Sox players — Chase Meidroth (second base), Miguel Vargas (third base), Tristan Peters (outfield) and Sam Antonacci (utility) — are finalists for American League Silver Slugger awards. — Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 5 Nov. 2026

Hicks had a big hit in Game 4 that put Junior Caminero on third base. — Outkick, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for third base

• abase
• airspace
• apace
• backspace
• biface
• birthplace
• blackface
• boldface
• bookcase
• braincase
• briefcase
• carcase

Kids Definition

third base

noun

: the base that must be touched third by a base runner in baseball or the position of the player defending the area around it