third base

American  

noun

Baseball.

1. the third in counterclockwise order of the bases from home plate.

2. the playing position of the fielder covering the area of the infield near this base.

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Usage

What else does third base mean? Content warning: the following content includes references to sexual activity. The expression (getting or going to) third base is slang for sexual contact with genitals, especially when it happens for the first time between two people. The expression (being) born on third base refers to having advantages in life by virtue of being born into wealth and other privileges. How is third base pronounced?[ thurd beys ]What are some other words related to third base?first basesecond basehome runwhite privilege

Etymology

Origin of third base

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45

Example Sentences

Alex Bregman, 31, plays third base for the Chicago Cubs, who signed him in January to a five-year, $175-million contract.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

And as he reached third base, he stopped to salute his teammates and pointed at the Stars and Stripes on his uniform sleeve.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 18, 2026

A wild pitch from McLean left Venezuela with runners on second and third base and on the next pitch Kansas City Royals slugger Maikel Garcia's sacrifice fly allowed Perez to score.

From Barron's • Mar. 18, 2026

Chronic knee problems have put his shortstop days behind him and cut into his range at second or third base, but the bat still plays.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2025

Mr. Galanter stood alongside third base, shouting his words of encouragement at us.

From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok

Related Words

• third