third-class

1 of 2

adjective

ˈthərd-ˈklas 

: of or relating to a class, rank, or grade next below the second

third-class adverb

third class

2 of 2

noun

1

: the third and usually next below second class in a classification

2

: the least expensive class of accommodations (as on a passenger ship)

3

: a former class of U.S. mail comprising circulars, pamphlets, catalogs, and newsletters

Examples of third-class in a Sentence

Noun

She got a third class in English.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

There are three classes of medical certificates issued by the FAA: first-class airline transfer pilot, second-class commercial pilot, and third-class private pilot. —Harrison Pierce, Travel + Leisure, 23 Mar. 2024

The survivors of the Titanic were largely divided by class: Only 174 of the 700 third-class passengers survived, said Encyclopedia Britannica. —Christine Rousselle, Fox News, 1 Sep. 2023

Noun

The applied version of the animal learning course is the behavior modification course, the third class in the CAT Program degree path, where students will learn the science behind positive reinforcement and discipline techniques. —Jenelyn Russo, Orange County Register, 30 July 2024

An African American, Dwight was one of 26 pilots the Air Force recommended to NASA for the third class of astronauts in 1963, but the agency didn't select him. —Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 24 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1839, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

third class

noun

: the class next below second class in a classification

third-class adjective