tenth

noun

ˈten(t)th 

plural tenths ˈten(t)s  ˈten(t)ths 

1

: one that is number ten in a series

the tenth of February

She was the tenth in line.

see Table of Numbers

2

: one of ten equal parts of something

He sold the car for a tenth of its value.

3

a

: a musical interval embracing an octave and a third

b

: the tone at this interval

tenth adjective or adverb

the tenth floor

the world's tenth largest company

Examples of tenth in a Sentence

He was tenth in line.

He traded stocks for one tenth their face value.

I only paid a tenth of what you did for that jacket.

Recent Examples on the Web

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), which tracks arms shipments, reported earlier this month that France is a world leader in the weapons industry, accounting for roughly a tenth of global arms exports from 2021 to 2025. —Max Saltman, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026

New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms. —Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026

Rainfall is expected to be under a tenth of an inch. —Paris Barraza, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

New rainfall amounts of less than a tenth of an inch are expected. —Marina Johnson, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tenth

• tenth-rate

Kids Definition

tenth

noun

ˈten(t)th 

plural tenths ˈten(t)s 

ˈten(t)ths

1

: one that is number 10 in a series see number

2

: one of 10 equal parts of something

3

: the one numbered 10 in a countable series

tenth adjective or adverb