third

The word “third” means coming after the second and before the fourth in a sequence; ordinal form of three. In plain terms, the one after second — either describing position in a sequence, or one of three equal parts.

“Third” is pronounced thurd (/θɚd/ in IPA).

Here is “third” used in a sentence: “She came third in the race.”

Depending on how it is used, “third” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “third” comes from Old English. From Old English þridda, related to "three".

“Third” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

“Third” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: coming after the second and before the fourth in a sequence; ordinal form of three.

'Three' is a cardinal number — it counts how many, as in three apples. 'Third' is the matching ordinal — it shows position in order, as in the third apple or coming third in a race. Three answers 'how many'; third answers 'which one' or 'in what place.'

As a fraction, a third means one of three equal parts of a whole, written 1/3. Splitting something into thirds divides it three ways evenly. As a decimal it is 0.333…, repeating without end. So 'a third of a cake' is one of three equal slices.

Third is written '3rd' in figures, combining the digit 3 with the ordinal ending '-rd.' You see it in dates (3rd May), rankings (3rd place) and lists. The word form is 'third,' while '3rd' is the shorthand used in tables, addresses and anywhere space is tight.

To come third is to finish in the position after first and second — the third-best result in a race or contest. In many events it earns the bronze medal. Being third means two others ranked ahead of you, but you still placed above everyone from fourth onward.