three

noun

1
: a number that is one more than 2 see Table of Numbers
2
: the third in a set or series
the three of hearts
3
a
: something having three units or members
three adjective
three pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of three in a Sentence

“What time is it?” “It's three.” I leave each day at three.
Recent Examples on the Web His sixth three-pointer tied him with Nick Van Exel for the Lakers’ single-season record of 183 threes. Dan Woike, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2024 Since the trade deadline, the rookie wing is averaging 7.6 points per game and has made half of his threes while playing excellent defense. Tony East, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Delaware shot a season-high 57.9% behind the 3-point line, and its 11 threes in 19 attempts tied a season best. Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 8 Feb. 2024 The Heat also wasted another strong performance from Robinson, who scored 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field and 5-of-8 shooting on threes. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2024 The Chancellors had a three-point lead in the final seconds, missed two free throws, threw the ball away out of bounds and gave up consecutive threes in less than three seconds to lose to LACES. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2024 He’s taken a total of three (yes, three) mid-range jumpers with the Raptors and 7% fewer threes since joining the team. Esfandiar Baraheni, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 What the Badgers were able to do against Minnesota was get timely threes. Journal Sentinel, 1 Feb. 2024 La Habra made eight threes. Marina 53, Long Beach Poly 49: Marina won the 2A championship at Edison, its first in school history. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'three.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from three, adjective, from Old English thrīe (masculine), thrēo (feminine & neuter); akin to Old High German drī three, Latin tres, Greek treis

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near three

Cite this Entry

“Three.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

three

noun
1
: a number that is one more than 2 see number
2
: the third in a set or series
the three of hearts
3
a
: something having three units or members
three adjective or pronoun

More from Merriam-Webster on three

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