third-party

1 of 2

adjective

third-par·​ty ˈthərd-ˈpär-tē 

1

: of, relating to, or involving a third party

third-party insurance

2

: of, relating to, or being software that is created by a vendor to be compatible with the products of another vendor

third party

2 of 2

noun

1

: a person other than the principals

a third party to a divorce proceeding

insurance against injury to third parties

2

a

: a major political party operating over a limited period of time in addition to two other major parties in a nation or state normally characterized by a two-party system

b

: minor party

Examples of third-party in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Amazon storefronts are typically managed by independent sellers or third-party experts. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2024

Software Supply Chain Automotive software vendors often use complex ecosystems of third-party solutions, introducing the risk of supply chain vulnerabilities. —Klaudia Zaika, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Noun

Entertainment attorney David Berke confirms that he was contacted by a third party to gauge his interest in representing Fuller. —Kim Masters, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Dec. 2024

People might turn to third parties—friends, family or even social media—to affirm their stance. —Mark Travers, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1901, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1641, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

third party

noun

1

: a person other than the main participants

a third party to the legal proceedings

2

a

: a political party operating usually for a limited time in addition to the two major parties in a 2-party system

b

: minor party

Legal Definition

third party

see party sense 1a, b