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third

When used as a noun to describe a fraction, it is usually preceded by the word "a" (e.g., "a third of the cake"). In sports or competitions, "third" often refers to the rank or position achieved, such as "taking third place." Be careful not to confuse this with "three," which is the cardinal number used for counting, whereas "third" is the ordinal number used for ordering.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon in the office breakroom, Mark is hiding from his boss.
Mark

Yo, this laptop just crapped out on me for the third time today.

Mark
Brian
Brian

Did you even try restarting it or are you just winging it?

💡
Mark uses the phrasal verb 'crapped out' (meaning to fail or stop working) and mentions the word 'third' as the focal point of his frustration. Brian responds with a skeptical tone, using 'winging it' (doing something without preparation or knowledge), highlighting their grumpy/slacker dynamic.

Meanings

ordinal number

Coming after the second in a series.

"She finished in third place during the marathon."

noun

One of three equal parts into which something is or can be divided.

"A third of the population voted against the new law."

adjective

Being the number three in a sequence.

"This is the third time I have asked you to clean your room."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error