three

American  

[three] / θri /

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.

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adjective

1. amounting to three in number.

idioms

1. three sheets in the wind. sheet.

three British  

/ 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 called: three o'clock.  three hours after noon or midnight

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determiner

1. 1. amounting to three

      three ships

   2. ( as pronoun )

      three were killed

Etymology

Origin of three

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

Example Sentences

On Monday, Friedman said he was confident that the three key pitching injuries would not push him toward the July trade market.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

This week, I have three I want to share with you, all built with pantry ingredients and budget in mind, and all actually cooked in a single skillet.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

"But the most beloved ballroom in the UK always leads the way, and in a Strictly first we have chosen three outstanding hosts to take up the mantel."

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Producing millions of robots a year is going to require rare earth mining capabilities, the equivalent of three to 28 new Mount Welds, says Rare Earths America CEO Donald Swartz.

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

I went back to my cell with a new resolve: the next time I was permitted a shower I would take with me three of my gospels.

From "The Hiding Place" by Corrie ten Boom