third

Definitions

1. adjective

   Coming after the second.

   Examples

   • The third tree from the left is my favorite.
   • This is my third cup of coffee today.
   ≈3rd≈3d≈IIIrd≈III≈tertiary
2. noun

   The person or thing in third place.

   Examples

   • Jones came in third.
   • She finished third in the race.
3. noun

   One of three equal parts.

   Examples

   • He ate a third of the pie.
   • About a third of the people agreed.
   ≈one-third≈⅓≈1/3
4. noun

   Third gear in a car.

   Examples

   • Now put it into third.
   • He shifted into third as the road opened up.
5. noun

   In music, the distance between the first and third notes of a scale.

   Examples

   • They sing in thirds.
   • The chord is built from thirds.
6. noun

   In baseball, third base.

   Examples

   • The play ended with Jones standing on third.
   • He was thrown out trying to steal third.
7. noun

   In golf, a handicap of one stroke every third hole.

   Examples

   • He plays off a third, which helps on the back nine.
   • She got a third against the club champion.
8. noun

   In the UK, the lowest honors degree class.

   Examples

   • He passed with a third in economics.
   • Despite a third, he built a successful career.
9. noun

   A sixtieth part of a second.

   Examples

   • Thirds are sixtieths of a second.
   • Old tables measured angles down to the third.
   ≈tierce
10. verb

    To support a proposal that has already been seconded.

    Examples

    • The chairman asked if anyone would third the motion.
    • She thirded the plan and the vote began.