third base: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateInformal / Technical (Sports)
Quick answer
What does “third base” mean?
In baseball/softball, the third of four bases that a runner must touch to score a run.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In baseball/softball, the third of four bases that a runner must touch to score a run.
Informal euphemism for sexual acts involving genital touching (primarily in the phrase 'getting to third base').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The baseball term is understood but not commonly used in UK sports culture (cricket dominates). The euphemistic use is primarily American, but often understood in the UK through media exposure.
Connotations
In the UK, the term is more likely to be recognized as an Americanism. Its euphemistic meaning may be less immediately familiar.
Frequency
Virtually non-existent in everyday UK English outside of discussions of American culture or baseball. More frequent in US English, though the euphemism is somewhat dated slang.
Grammar
How to Use “third base” in a Sentence
at third baseto third basefrom third baseround third baseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “third base” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He attempted to third-base the runner but threw wide. (Very rare, hypothetical sports commentary)
American English
- The coach told him to third-base the bunt if it came his way.
adjective
British English
- The third-base coach gave the signal to run. (Understood from baseball)
American English
- He's our new third-base coach, responsible for directing runners.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in metaphorical discussions of project stages ('We're not even at third base on this proposal yet').
Academic
Only in sports science or cultural studies discussing American slang metaphors.
Everyday
Primarily in US English, either discussing baseball or, less commonly now, using the dated euphemism for sexual activity.
Technical
Standard term in baseball/softball rulebooks, coaching manuals, and game commentary.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “third base”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “third base”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “third base”
- Using 'third base' as a euphemism in formal or international contexts where it may not be understood.
- Confusing it with 'third basic' or other similar-sounding phrases.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. While the baseball term is understood globally, its everyday use and especially its euphemistic meaning are culturally rooted in the United States.
It is considered somewhat dated slang, most associated with the mid-to-late 20th century. Younger generations may recognise it from older films or literature but are less likely to use it actively.
The third baseman (or third basewoman/third baseperson). The position is also colloquially known as the 'hot corner'.
No, it is specific to baseball and its derivatives (like softball). Other sports use different terminology for field positions and stages of play.
In baseball/softball, the third of four bases that a runner must touch to score a run.
Third base is usually informal / technical (sports) in register.
Third base: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːd ˈbeɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθɝːd ˈbeɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “get to third base (euphemism)”
- “a triple shy of third base”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a diamond shape (the baseball infield). First base is at the right corner, second in the middle, third is the left corner you turn from to go 'home'.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROGRESS IS ADVANCING AROUND BASES / SEXUAL INTIMACY IS A GAME (with bases as stages).
Practice
Quiz
In American informal slang, what does the phrase 'getting to third base' traditionally euphemise?