third base

noun

1
: the base that must be touched third by a base runner in baseball
2
: the player position for defending the area around third base
3
slang + impolite : amorous touching or caressing especially of the genitals
—usually used in phrases like get to third base or reach third base
One boy told everyone he got to third base with her when she didn't even know what counted as third base, but unless it was French-kissing, he hadn't.—Meryl Wilsner
compare first base sense 4, home base sense 3, second base sense 3
third baseman noun

Examples of third base in a Sentence

a runner on third base
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Seeing third base uncovered, Mesa rounded second and sped to third standing up as Ramírez tried in vain to catch up. — Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026 Espada had been with the organization since the 2018 season after previously working as the New York Yankees' infield and third base coach for three seasons. — Ryan Morik Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026 The Royals also feature Maikel Garcia — who won the 2025 Gold Glove at third base. — Kansas City Star, 14 Oct. 2026 Also on Wednesday, the Astros parted ways with catching instructor Tim Cossins, game planning coach Tommy Kawamura, third base coach Tony Perezchica, assistant hitting coach Anthony Iapoce and assistant pitching coach Ethan Katz. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for third base

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of third base was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Third base.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/third%20base. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Kids Definition

third base

noun
: the base that must be touched third by a base runner in baseball or the position of the player defending the area around it
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