three

noun

1
: a number that is one more than 2 see Table of Numbers
2
: the third in a set or series
the three of hearts
3
a
: something having three units or members
three adjective
three pronoun, plural in construction

Examples of three in a Sentence

“What time is it?” “It's three.” I leave each day at three.
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.
The second seed in the Eastern Conference is attempting only 33.7 threes per contest, per NBA.com. Bobby Krivitsky, Forbes.com, 27 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, the Heat was limited to 87 points despite shooting 16 of 34 (47.1 percent) on threes in Game 3. Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 26 Apr. 2025 Malik Beasley was two made threes shy of claiming the league’s three-point crown, and he’s torched the Knicks with six and eight threes in two of their last four meetings. Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 18 Apr. 2025 Rory McIlroy is in position to win his first career Masters after becoming the first golfer to ever begin his round by carding five consecutive threes. Andrew Torgan, CNN Money, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for three

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from three, adjective, from Old English thrīe (masculine), thrēo (feminine & neuter); akin to Old High German drī three, Latin tres, Greek treis

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of three was before the 12th century

Cite this Entry

“Three.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three. Accessed 5 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

three

noun
1
: a number that is one more than 2 see number
2
: the third in a set or series
the three of hearts
3
a
: something having three units or members
three adjective or pronoun

More from Merriam-Webster on three

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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