third-class

1 of 2

adjective

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for third-class 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1839, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1748, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of third-class was in 1748

Dictionary Entries Near third-class

third class

third-class

Third day

Cite this Entry

“Third-class.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third-class. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

third class

noun
: the class next below second class in a classification
third-class adjective
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