threesome

American  

[three-suhm] / ˈθri səm /

noun

1. three forming a group.

2. something in which three persons participate, as certain games.

3. Golf. a match in which two players, playing alternately with one ball, compete against a third player who also plays one ball.

4. Also called threeway,.  Also called three-way,.  Also called ménage à trois.  a sexual encounter with three participants.

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adjective

1. consisting of three; threefold.

   a threesome consulting firm.

2. performed or played by three persons.

   a threesome game of catch.

threesome British  

/ ˈθriːsəm /

noun

1. a group of three

2. golf a match in which a single player playing his own ball competes against two others playing alternate strokes on the same ball

3. any game, etc, for three people

4. (modifier) performed by three

   a threesome game

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Etymology

Origin of threesome

First recorded in 1450–1500; late Middle English word thresum; see origin at three, -some ²

Example Sentences

“The Walkers,” at an hour, is longer than “Four Portraits” and “Night” combined, so those shorter pieces naturally feel like interludes, breaking up a work that would otherwise dominate the threesome.

From New York Times • Mar. 26, 2023

It’s no coincidence that the threesome has the most experience on the team in a Zag uniform and in March Madness.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2023

The threesome of Westbrook, Beverley, and Nunn combined for one-of-25 shooting from the field, one of 16 from three-point range.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 21, 2022

Adding to the disappointment was Thompson being informed following the round that she had been fined for slow play as part of the final threesome that took 5 hours 45 minutes to complete 18 holes.

From Washington Post • Jun. 27, 2022

Palmer noticed that Beans, Mutto and Henry always worked as a threesome.

From "Wringer" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• trio