thrice

American  

[thrahys] / θraɪs /

adverb

1. three times, as in succession; on three occasions or in three ways.

2. in threefold quantity or degree.

3. very; extremely.

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thrice British  

/ θraɪs /

adverb

1. three times

2. in threefold degree

3. archaic greatly

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Etymology

Origin of thrice

1150–1200; Middle English thries, equivalent to obsolete thrie thrice ( Old English thrīga ) + -s -s ¹

Explanation

Thrice is an old-fashioned way to talk about doing something three times. You could say, "I swung the bat at the piñata thrice." You're most likely to come across the adverb thrice in a book, since it's a stiff, formal way to say "three times." Just for fun, you could use it in a note to your cat sitter: "Please feed Fluffy thrice daily," to scold your younger brother: "I've asked you thrice not to throw that ball in the house," or to brag about your travels: "I've thrice been to Madagascar."

Example Sentences

Already, the Federal Reserve cut interest rates thrice last year as the jobs market weakened, before pausing in January to assess the situation.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

But if you do, read the fine print twice, or thrice.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

He was thrice divorced in 10 years, and at least two of the divorces were acrimonious and required repeat court interference.

From Salon • Jan. 6, 2025

In 2024, Hoult accomplished that goal thrice in quick succession.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 3, 2024

I heard him say, “Just as nice at thrice the price!”

From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri