three R's

plural noun

1. reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic, regarded as the fundamentals of education.
2. the fundamentals, basic knowledge, or skills of any system or field:

   the three R's of good government.

three Rs

plural noun

1. the three Rs
   the three skills regarded as the fundamentals of education; reading, writing, and arithmetic

Word History and Origins

Origin of three R's¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Word History and Origins

Origin of three R's¹

from the humorous spelling reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic

Idioms and Phrases

The fundamentals of education, as in It's a terrible school; the children are not even taught the three R's . It is widely believed that Sir William Curtis, an alderman who became Lord Mayor of London, once presented a toast to the three R's—reading, riting, and rithmetic—thereby betraying his illiteracy. In any event, the term was picked up by others and so used from the early 1800s on.

Example Sentences

You’re in such a unique position because vintage dealers are often checking off each box in the three R’s of recycling: reduce, reuse, recycle.

From Los Angeles Times

The counselor notes the neuroscientist Bruce Perry's Three R's method.

From Salon

In the foreword, J. Drew Lanham writes, “… they provide a large step forward in the Three R’s Process: to recognize, reconcile, and repair.”

From Seattle Times

There are three R’s you need to get done over the weekend: rest, repair and recreate.

From Washington Post

Pop quiz: What are the three R’s?

From New York Times