three
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
How often you will meet it
Rank 196 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 119,374 times across 155,139 chapters — 0.057% of every word in the library.
It belongs to the first 500 words, the band worth learning before any other.
What it means
noun
- the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one also: 3, III, trio, threesome, tierce, leash
- one of four playing cards in a deck having three pips also: trey
adjective
- being one more than two also: 3, iii
three in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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I was the youngest of three brothers.
The Life and Most Surprising Adventures · Daniel Defoe · Chapter 1
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And still the three hundred stood packed, waiting--thinning a little, but so little.
The Courage of the Commonplace · Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews · Chapter 1
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The whole of this little valley belonged to three brothers called Schwartz, Hans, and Gluck.
Famous Stories Every Child Should Know · Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie · Chapter 1
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After three years of active service he must reside two more at the convent, and can then be made a commander.
A Knight of the White Cross · G. A. (George Alfred) Henty · Chapter 1
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That evening the three desolate young creatures put on their new black dresses, and went down a long, rambling, charming country lane.
The Palace Beautiful: A Story for Girls · L. T. Meade · Chapter 1