three
Noun pluralthrees (some meanings)
Pluralthrees (some meanings)
- 1The number after two and before four, written as 3, used to say how many.
Three dogs ran across the muddy park.
We bought three loaves of bread for the week.
UsageSay a three-day trip, with no s on day.
- 2The hour of three o'clock, in the morning or the afternoon.
Let's meet at three for a cup of tea.
The bus comes at three every day.
UsageSay at three.
- 3Short for three-pointer: a basketball shot from beyond the three-point line, worth three points.
He drained a three from the corner as time ran out.
With seconds left, she hit the winning three.
UsageSay hit a three.
Note
Less common meanings
- 4The written symbol that stands for the number 3.
He drew a big three at the top of the page.
Her three looked more like an eight.
- 5A child who is three years old.
My daughter is a young three, so she still naps every afternoon.
The threes at our preschool had a party in their classroom.
- 6A playing card that shows three marks of its suit.
He put down the three of clubs.
I needed a three to win the hand.
Similartrey
- 7Something that measures three units in size or length.
She takes a three in that brand of shoes.
The shop had the boots in a three, but she needed a four.
Showing meanings only.
Practice
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Origin
The word 'three' comes from Old English 'þrī', which goes back to a very old root shared by many languages.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts
- English 'three' comes from Old English 'þrī'. en.wiktionary.org
- Old English 'þrī' descends from an ancient root shared by many languages. en.wiktionary.org