third base
Americannoun
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the third in counterclockwise order of the bases from home plate.
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the playing position of the fielder covering the area of the infield near this base.
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
In the third, Skenes escaped a jam when U.S. captain Aaron Judge unleashed a 95.7 mile-per-hour dart from right field to cut down Tatis running to third base.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026
He’ll be starting at third base for the Wolverines.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 15, 2026
The Dodgers cut down the potential tying run at third base!
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 8, 2025
“Started at third base my junior and senior year. No one cared that he was gay—not the players, not the coaches, not the fans.”
From "A High Five for Glenn Burke" by Phil Bildner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
