Definition of three
1 : a number that is one more than 2 — see number table
2 : the third in a set or series the three of hearts
3a : something having three units or membersb : three-pointer
three
adjectivethree
pronoun, plural in constructionExplore M-W
Examples of three in a Sentence
“What time is it?” “It's three.”
I leave each day at three.
Recent Examples of three from the Web
-
The 6-5 Rockhurst High football/basketball player averaged 16.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game his senior season, knocking down 36 percent of his threes and 75 percent of his free throws.
-
In the five games against Boston in the NBA Eastern Conference finals and the ragged opening loss in the Finals to Golden State, Korver has shot nothing but threes.
-
James finished with 35 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in 35 minutes, including 4-for-7 on threes.
-
Tier fours were those who looked at child pornography; tier threes were those who circulated it; tier twos manufactured it; and tier ones were active abusers in close proximity to potential victims.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'three'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of three
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 12th century
Other Number-Related Terms
THREE Defined for English Language Learners
three
playDefinition of three for English Language Learners
-
: the number 3
-
: the third in a set or series
-
: three o'clock
THREE Defined for Kids
Definition of three for Students
1 : one more than two : 3
2 : the third in a set or series
Learn More about three
-
See words that rhyme with three Spanish Central: Translation of three Nglish: Translation of three for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of three for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up three? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!