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
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.
Then 22 when Tatum and Pritchard buried threes on consecutive possessions. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 10 May 2025 Two first-quarter flare screens sprung him free for threes. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 9 May 2025 After Orlando held them to 31 threes per game in Round 1 — well below their league-leading regular-season average — the Celtics have unraveled from deep in Round 2. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 May 2025 That didn’t slow down in the second half as Nembhard and Aaron Nesmith combined to make four threes in under five minutes to open the third quarter. Tony East, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for three

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

Cite this Entry

“Three.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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