three

[ three ]

noun

1. a cardinal number, 2 plus 1.
2. a symbol for this number, as 3 or III.
3. a set of this many persons or things.
4. a playing card, die face, or half of a domino face with three pips.

adjective

1. amounting to three in number.

three

/ θriː /

noun

1. the cardinal number that is the sum of two and one and is a prime number See also number
2. a numeral, 3, III, (iii), representing this number
3. the amount or quantity that is one greater than two
4. something representing, represented by, or consisting of three units such as a playing card with three symbols on it
5. Also calledthree o'clock three hours after noon or midnight

determiner

1. 1. amounting to three

      three ships

   2. ( as pronoun )

      three were killed

Word History and Origins

Origin of three¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English thrēo, thrīo, feminine and neuter of thrī(e); cognate with Dutch drie, German drei, Old Norse thrīr, Gothic threis, Greek treîs, Latin trēs “three,” ter “thrice,” Irish trí, Old Church Slavonic tri, Sanskrit trī, tráyas

Word History and Origins

Origin of three¹

Old English thrēo; related to Old Norse thrīr, Old High German drī, Latin trēs, Greek treis

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. three sheets in the wind. sheet ²( def 3 ).

Example Sentences

"There are three virtues that the world still needs - faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love," said the King's message.

From BBC

One year and three weeks ago, Bobby Miller was at the peak of his young major league career.

From Los Angeles Times

About 500 reports of crimes involving fake banking apps have been made to Action Fraud in the past three years.

From BBC

Two of the three receivers USC added last spring, Charles Ross and Jay Fair, combined for just nine catches last season.

From Los Angeles Times

Gonsolin made his longest rehab start yet Tuesday, giving up three earned runs while fanning five batters across four innings.

From Los Angeles Times