three R's

plural noun

1

: the fundamentals taught in elementary school

especially : reading, writing, and arithmetic

2

: the fundamental skills in a field of endeavor

Word History

Etymology

from the facetiously used phrase reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

three R's

plural noun

: the basic subjects (as reading, writing, arithmetic) taught in elementary school