third man

American  

noun

1. Cricket.

   1. the position of a fielder on the off side between slip and point.

   2. the fielder occupying this position.

2. Lacrosse.

   1. the position of a player, first in the line of defense between center and goal.

   2. the player occupying this position.

---

third man British  

noun

1. cricket

   1. a fielding position on the off side near the boundary behind the batsman's wicket

   2. a fielder in this position

---

Etymology

Origin of third man

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

third man

On one occasion, when he played missed, he yelled to the heavens in frustration, then celebrated when he toe-ended to third man for four.

From BBC ● Jul. 7, 2026

A third man, Petro Pochynok, 35, was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit arson.

From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026

The body of a third man, aged in his mid-50s, was found on the sand nearby and is yet to be formally identified.

From BBC ● May 4, 2026

The third man behind the law was Christopher Sykes, son of Sir Tatton Sykes of Sledmere.

From BBC ● Apr. 19, 2026

Then I heard you crying in the living room and remembered that there had been a third man.

From "Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke