# three

/ˈθɹi/ (US) · /θɹˈiː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/three
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the number 3

numeral · CEFR A1

the number 3, which comes after 2 and before 4.

For teachers: the cardinal number representing the sum of two and one.

- There are three apples on the kitchen table for your lunch.
- The experiment required three separate trials to ensure the data collected was statistically significant and free from anomalies.

### 2. the digit or figure

noun · CEFR A2

the written symbol or digit 3.

For teachers: the graphic symbol or character representing the number three.

- The house number was a large brass three fixed to the gate.
- The calligrapher carefully inked a stylized three at the beginning of the chapter to mark the third section of the manuscript.

### 3. time of day

noun · CEFR A2

three o'clock, in either the morning or the afternoon.

For teachers: the third hour after midnight or noon.

- The meeting is scheduled to start at three this afternoon.
- By the time the clock struck three, the weary travelers had finally reached the outskirts of the city.

### 4. basketball shot

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a shot in basketball that is worth three points.

For teachers: a successful field goal made from beyond the three-point line.

- He hit a deep three right at the end of the game to win.
- The point guard specialized in transition play, often pulling up for a contested three rather than driving to the basket.

## Examples

- I have three apples in my bag.
- The recipe requires three large eggs and a cup of sugar to make the cake.
- The committee is divided into three distinct sub-groups, each responsible for a different stage of the project's development.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.