English Reference

Word

three

US/ˈθɹi/

UK/θɹˈiː/

Definitions

01the number 3

A1 · Beginner Mathematics

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

num. 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.”

Synonyms

02the digit or figure

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

n. the written symbol or digit 3.

n. 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.”

03time of day

A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun

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

n. 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.”

04basketball shot

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Sports Informal

n. a shot in basketball that is worth three points.

n. 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.”

Synonyms

three-pointer

Collocations

Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “three” in context.

01. three years 02. three months 03. three times 04. three days 05. three decades 06. three weeks 07. three people 08. three million

Word family

ADJECTIVE

NUMERAL

three(A1)

Related words

Idioms

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Very common
Level
A1 · BeginnerOxford
Updated

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