Definition

1. Noun:

   • The cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one: The natural number following 2 and preceding 4. It is represented by the numeral 3.
   • A symbol representing this number: The digit or figure "3".
   • A set or group with this many members: Something that has three units or members.

2. Adjective:

   • Being one more than two: Denoting a quantity of exactly three.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The number three comes after two.
  • Write a three in the blank space.
  • They arrived in a group of three.

• Adjective:

  • She has three brothers.
  • I will be away for three days.
  • The recipe calls for three eggs.

Advanced Usage

• "The three Rs": A traditional phrase referring to the basic skills taught in primary school: Reading, wRiting, and aRithmetic.
  • Education should always focus on the three Rs.

Variants and Related Words

• Third (adj., n.): Constituting number three in a sequence; the item in position three.
  • This is my third cup of coffee today.
• Triple (adj., v.): Consisting of three parts or things; to become three times as great.
  • She scored a triple in baseball.
• Trio (n.): A group of three people or things.
  • A jazz trio performed at the club.

Synonyms

• Noun: Triad, trinity, threesome, triplet, trio.
• Adjective: Triple, tripartite.

Related Phrases

• "Three's a crowd": An idiom suggesting that a third person is unwelcome in a situation involving two people, especially a romantic couple.
  • When they started whispering, I felt like three's a crowd and left.

Adjective

1. being one more than two

Noun

1. the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one