third party

noun

1. any party to an incident, case, quarrel, etc., who is incidentally involved.
2. (in a two-party system) a political party formed as a dissenting or independent group from members of one or both of the two prevailing major parties.

third party

noun

1. a person who is involved by chance or only incidentally in a legal proceeding, agreement, or other transaction, esp one against whom a defendant claims indemnity

adjective

1. insurance providing protection against liability caused by accidental injury or death of other persons or damage to their property

   third-party insurance

Word History and Origins

Origin of third party¹

An Americanism dating back to 1795–1805

Example Sentences

It often happens when a local council decides not to adopt the new area, leaving the builder - or more likely a third party management company such as FirstPort - with responsibility.

From BBC

While X’s privacy policy says that the company will not sell user data to third parties, it does share some information with certain business partners.

From Los Angeles Times

Copyright Office granted access to medical device data, encompassing devices that aren’t implanted and allowing patients to authorize third parties to access devices to a certain extent.

From Salon

The contract stated that the equipment would be rented by a third party – the finance company Grenke – over 27 quarters.

From BBC

A spokesperson from Hampshire Police told the BBC they asked for details but "the third party declined to provide these, stating that the victims would contact police."

From BBC

Related Words

• mediator