three

noun

ˈthrē How to pronounce three (audio)
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
b
: three-pointer
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.
Towns, meantime, has made 20 threes on 49% shooting from deep in these playoffs. — Adam Zagoria, Forbes.com, 1 June 2026 His shot mix through three games of summer league has included a heavy diet of threes, some fadeaway jumpers and drives to the basket. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026 All three also expressed a desire to travel abroad to fight for ISIS, the government alleges. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 7 June 2026 The Lynx attempted 19 free throws — nearly double Golden State’s 10 — and hit a season-high 13 threes. — Anya Armentrout, Twin Cities, 5 June 2026 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

Phrases Containing three

Rhymes for three

See All Rhymes for three

Browse Nearby Words

threats action
three
three-arm protractor
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Three.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/three. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

three

noun
ˈthrē How to pronounce three (audio)
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
b
: three-pointer
three adjective or pronoun

More from Merriam-Webster on three

Nglish: Translation of three for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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