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

And Nora, an English music hall performer on her way to New York to appear in American vaudeville, is a composite figure representing the ship’s third-class passengers. —Kay Johnson, Twin Cities, 15 Apr. 2024

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

Noun

The board also approved a third class for girls tennis, which will take affect for the fall 2025 season. —Tom Schardin, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025

After trying Pilates with the Dolphins linebacker just the week prior, Turner is back for his third class, a private session with Lal. —Charlotte Carroll, The Athletic, 7 Aug. 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