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

Thrice they will be reminded that Princess Margaret and her husband, Antony Armstrong-Jones, were leading glamour symbols of the Swinging ’60s .

From New York Times • Nov. 13, 2022

Thrice jabbed, 33 and single, with a schedule determined in large part by a housemate who is 8 months old.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2022

Thrice Upon a Time ultimately feels more hopeful than the endings that have preceded it.

From Slate • Aug. 23, 2021

Evangelion: 3.0 + 1.01 Thrice Upon a Time came out in Japan in March but will be making its global premiere on Prime Video in over 240 countries and territories, Amazon says.

From The Verge • Jul. 1, 2021

Thrice they passed Unsullied guards, standing as if they had been carved from stone.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin