thirteenth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral/Formal
Quick answer
What does “thirteenth” mean?
Constituting number thirteen in a sequence.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Constituting number thirteen in a sequence; 13th.
Referring to the ordinal number that follows twelfth; often associated with superstition (unlucky).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is identical. Potential minor difference in article usage ("the thirteenth of December" vs. "December thirteenth") though both forms exist in both dialects.
Connotations
Strong association with bad luck (Friday the thirteenth) is equally strong in both cultures.
Frequency
Frequency of use is similar. The date format influences spoken frequency slightly (UK prefers day-month order).
Grammar
How to Use “thirteenth” in a Sentence
the [N] of [Month/Series]the [N] [noun][position] was [adj]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thirteenth” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He finished in thirteenth place in the marathon.
American English
- The meeting is scheduled for the thirteenth floor.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in dates or sequential numbering (e.g., 'the thirteenth quarterly report').
Academic
Common in historical dating (e.g., 'thirteenth-century manuscripts'), legal numbering.
Everyday
Primarily used for dates and positions in queues/lists.
Technical
Used in precise sequencing, mathematics, and calendrics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thirteenth”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thirteenth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thirteenth”
- Spelling: 'thriteenth', 'thirteanth'.
- Pronunciation: Omitting the second 'th' /θ/ sound, pronouncing it as 'thirteen'.
- Using 'thirteen' as adjective ('on the thirteen floor').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'thirteenth' is exclusively an ordinal numeral, functioning as an adjective or a noun. There is no verb or adverb form.
The superstition of Friday the thirteenth combines two older superstitions: Friday being an unlucky day and the number thirteen being unlucky, possibly due to 13 people at the Last Supper.
After the 'n' sound, you must add a clear, unvoiced /θ/ sound. Practice: 'thirteen' /θɜːˈtiːn/ -> 'thirteenth' /θɜːˈtiːnθ/. The tongue must touch the teeth for the final 'th'.
Yes, due to triskaidekaphobia (fear of the number 13), many hotels and skyscrapers, especially in the US, skip numbering the thirteenth floor, going from 12 to 14.
Constituting number thirteen in a sequence.
Thirteenth is usually neutral/formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Friday the thirteenth”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
THIRteen ends with 'teen', add a 'TH' sound at the end for the ordinal: thirteen -> thirteenth.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSITION IN A JOURNEY ('We've reached the thirteenth mile'), BAD LUCK ('He has a thirteenth cloud over him').
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a correct collocation with a strong superstitious connotation?